No Room!

Dear Friends,

NO ROOM!

Some of the saddest words on earth are: “We don’t have room for you.” Jesus knew the sound of those words.  He was still in Mary’s Womb the innkeeper said: “We don’t have room for you (Luke 2:7).

And when he hung on the cross, wasn’t the message of utter rejection? “We don’t have room for you in our world.”

Even today He is given the same treatment. He goes from heart to heart, asking if he might enter (and become a real part of our life and actions). Every so often, he’s welcomed. Someone throws open the door of his or her heart and invites him to stay.  And to that person Jesus gives this great promise, “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” (John 14 vs 12).

What a promise he makes us! We make room for him in our hearts….And  He makes room for us in his house!

(From Grace for the Moment, Max Lucado)

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The above from Max Lucado is practical and appropriate as we begin our Lenten season.  Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t have room for certain people in our lives. For some of us it might be people of color or of a different culture. For others it might be people from the middle east who veil their face and wear a long flowing Burka; Still for others it might be because they are gay or belong to a religion strange to us (usually strange because we have never taken the time to know more about what others believe). Our ignorance can equate with fear.

As I wrote last week, Lent for some hasn’t advanced from childhood practices of giving up cake, cookies or liquor. One practice might be to fast and abstain from our narrow mindedness or prejudices. We might recall the words of Pope Francis when asked about atheists: “They are good people too.” Or his now often quoted words “Who am I to judge…” Remember when you point a finger, three of your fingers point right back at you. Try it!

This Lent you might find time to attend a weekday Mass or make the Stations of the Cross on Fridays.  However, if there is no room in your heart, or love for those who are different what good are you really accomplishing? Some even  may have walls between members of their own family.

Try it. You just might find your experiencing your best Lent ever. Remember the Great Commandment never said we had to like everyone, just to love (respect) them. It’s really not that hard. Give it a try.

Have a good week!

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