the 4th sunday in lent
the PRAYER …
God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING …
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
the DEVOTION …
I’ve said it before (and gotten into trouble for it). But here goes, again … Problem is we invite the wrong people! When we invite people to join us in church, we invite people just like us! People who pretend they don’t need saved! Who pretend they don’t need forgiven! Who pretend don’t need loved! Let’s face it. For most of us – myself included – religion is more a hobby, than anything. A luxury we, fortunately, can still afford. An hour a week. Singing songs. Saying prayers. Sitting politely as the preacher rambles on. So, when the pews get emptier and the offering plates lighter, we invite people – just like us – to fill them. People who really don’t need religion any more than we do!
But I guess that’s the way it’s always been. Even back when Jesus first told the parable of the prodigal. The people-we-wouldn’t-think-of-inviting come near to listen. While the people-like-us, simply, cross arms, shake heads, and grumble. Question is … How could we have gotten it so wrong? Question is … Why do we keep getting it so wrong?