PRO-PARTICIPATION

(Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Mt 9:9-13)

The mission statement of a relatively newly formed church states, they are “anti-excellence” and “pro-participation.”  The founder explained that the statement was very intentionally adopted by the congregation in order to dispel the “hierarchy of holiness” that undermines the intrinsic value and contribution of each member, contributing to an unhealthy sense of entitlement of select individuals that often typifies organized religion.  Additionally, this new church encourages unqualified, equal participation and engagement in all the undertakings of the church.

As I contemplated the scriptures this morning I couldn’t help but consider the many ways we, as humans, have divided ourselves.  The obvious way is by race, gender, and national origin.  Then we’ve become more sophisticated in our divisions, dividing ourselves by political affiliation, sexual identity, documented or undocumented.  Even within the church we manage to divide by degrees of sinfulness.  We acknowledge we are all sinners yet there are some sins that become the basis to exclude a person or group.

These divisions are not the values of Jesus put forth in today’s Gospel.  Jesus is the ultimate engager and non-discriminator.  He accepts the unacceptable and allows what many would consider unallowable.  Jesus welcomes all of us, everyone, “as is”—exactly where we are—he sees the good within us that most often is only recognizable by the Divine.  To those of us like Matthew, he offers an invitation to a new life that we cannot refuse.

It is Jesus’ theology of inclusion and mercy that reigns supreme, he subverts the false belief of salvific meritocracy and encourages us to do the same.  Ultimately, Jesus is all about the “pro-participation,” which goes beyond our Sunday obligation or daily routine of Mass.  Jesus invites us to his table, the table where we find reconciliation and intimate union with Christ.  It is here that all sinners can look to be in relationship with the living, dynamic, Triune God and invited to enter into the divine dance of life with him and all his children.

Reflection Substantially by: Jo Koch, Weekday Homily Helps