Today’s Readings - Psalm 119:97-120; Joel 2:12-19; Rev. 19:11-21; Luke 15:1-10
As I was walking to my car recently, I saw a penny lying on the pavement. I know they’re virtually worthless these days, but I picked it up anyway. The thought of all the coins that end up in the trash or in the gutter really bothers me. When I was at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) someone donated all the change, which was mostly pennies, out of a wishing fountain. The adults who attended the day program washed the coins and carefully counted and rolled them in paper sleeves to be taken to the bank. I never knew how much cash it ended up being, but it was more than enough to make their efforts worthwhile.
Part of my job while I worked with adults with disabilities was to take the residents to their annual doctor’s appointments. One time while I was with one of the female residents, the physician skipped over her pap smear and breast exam. When I reminded him, these tests were due, he said, he didn’t think it was necessary – not with “these people.” His basic premise was that people with disabilities did not need all the preventive health care say someone like he or I needed. That they were not going to be productive meaningful members of society.
Today we no longer use pennies, but I still can’t seem to walk past one on the sidewalk and I will never forget my conversation with that physician or my insistence that there is no such thing as “throw away people.” We are all children of God, all beloved and deserving the same amount of respect and care.
It may be hard to imagine a shepherd leaving the hundreds of sheep in a flock and going back into the wilderness to look for one lost lamb, but I can promise you I have been that one who was lost and I know God came looking for me, found me and carried me home. If you’re like me and have worried about those lambs that were left behind, don’t worry, those lambs were safe. God’s infinite grace covers us all.
In today’s gospel, Jesus was trying to illustrate for the Pharisees that we are all sinners. We all deserve the same acceptance and respect. It may feel as though we haven’t learned this lesson any better than the Pharisees. Our culture demonstrates that we value some people more than others however, that’s not the example we were given by Jesus.
God cares for all of God’s children – we are all are beloved, all of us sinners, whether lost, or confused, repeat offenders or well-intentioned but led astray. As children of God, we are called upon to love one another, to practice intentional ways to ensure that this same love, acceptance and compassion is given to all. Pray that our lives reflect that we are all beloved and worthy of God’s grace.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - I wonder what our world would be like if all of God’s children received the love and care they deserved? The first step is beginning with our own lives. Is there anyone in your life you have discounted as not important or you have ignored? What could you do to make it up to that person(s)?