Inclusivity

Church today was pretty interesting. The Gospel reading was John's account of the "bread and fish" incident where Jesus multiplied the amount of food that he started with to feed a bunch of people that had come to hear him teach. The priest pointed out that John's account was unique in that it mentions that the initial food came from a little boy - one who just offered what he had, without worrying that it wasn't good enough, or simply was physically not enough. The priest went on to point out that the actions of the little boy seem to be a pretty good represntation of faith, and Jesus' "miracle" is a pretty good representation of the fruits of faith.

The beauty here is tht one doesn't have to take the story literally in order to benefit from the real message, and that the idea of having that sort of faith applies to more than just religion. So much of our time on Earth seems to be occupied with worry and insecurity, and so many relationships get ruined (or never even start) because of someone's worries that they aren't good enough - when the other person doesn't even want or expect perfection, they just want the other's love and affection. It seems like if one can get over their fears enough to make that first unabashed offering, the rewards are a hundredfold. Relationships (friendships, family, couples) seem to just blossom when one is willing to give what they have, and the other cherishes and returns that.

Also...it doesn't say anywhere that God expects people to be perfect. He doesn't expect that and I really don't think that there is the exclusive attitude that some people tend to associate with the church, or with religion. The priest today said that it was more like God (or if it makes you more comfortable, just think about other people in your life) really just wants that faith, that acknowledgement, that unabashed "Here I am, and this is what I have to offer you." And if that is all that God wants, then certaintly others could not want much more...

So, it's really hard to actually take that attitude and live it, but I think that life could be happier if more people did really take that to heart and live it. In general: people (God) just want affirmation and affection, and that things generally go better if one just gives and does what one can, instead of investing so much time and energy worrying about the imperfections (especially ones that can't be helped in any case...)

Anyhow, that's enough sermonizing for now. :-)