All are welcome!
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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… for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7c).
Read Isaiah 56:1–8
Today’s reading discusses the importance of justice for all as a prerequisite for the wellbeing of community.
We cannot help but be aware of the huge differences that exist in our society today. Some people are on eyewatering salaries, earning squillions of dollars a year, and others cannot afford to pay rent and end up homeless, living on the street or in their car. We see people starving to death in war-torn countries – children with stick-like arms and legs and dull eyes. Homes and cities are being destroyed by natural disasters and bombs.
Sadly, it would seem that racism is alive and well in Australia and beyond. We hear about it in sport; we see it painted in graffiti on walls. Hate speech is rife on social media, and cruel untruths spread like wildfire on phones and electronic devices.
But according to today’s reading, God’s house will be called a house of prayer for all nations: an inclusive place where justice is maintained. It foretells a time when the sovereign Lord will welcome all – even eunuchs and foreigners. Is that how you experience God’s house? Is that how others experience your church?
Each and every person is created in God’s image, and that includes you and me and the person experiencing homelessness on the street. No-one is excluded. When we look at others, there is God. When others look at us, God is there also. No-one is excluded because of their race, gender, financial standing, weight, height or eye colour. All are made in God’s image and equally loved and equally acceptable in God’s eyes. The sacrifices of all who love the name of the Lord and keep the Sabbath are accepted on God’s altar.
Let’s joyfully welcome all-comers and celebrate our differences as we share God’s love in our community. And in doing this, we can do our bit to maintain justice and do what is right in God’s eyes.
Creative and loving God, thank you for making us all in your image. Thank you for making us all unique and for loving us no matter who we are. Help us to accept others’ differences and to advocate for all to be treated with justice and respect. Amen.
Colleen Fitzpatrick is retired and lives in Adelaide. She enjoys reading and writing. She particularly enjoys listening to people’s stories and telling her own stories. Colleen finds storytelling a great way to learn about people, who they are and what they do. She loves nature and the beauty of God’s creation – and wishes she could understand what her favourite magpies talk about.
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