God's Extravagant Welcome

Jesus followed up. "There was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food’s on the table.' Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses....The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.' The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.' The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! '" [Luke 14:16-24, The Message]

About a year ago, a couple visited my church who told me they hadn't been to worship in about nine years. I didn't press as to why this was the case, I merely welcomed them warmly, let them know I was glad they were there and introduced them to a few members who continued the warm reception. About three minutes before worship began, the wife of the couple cornered me in the gathering space and told me she needed to ask me a question. "I see you're having communion today and I wondered what you thought about my husband and I taking communion. I don't feel like we're worthy enough to receive it."

My response was that no one is worthy to receive communion, but all are invited by God's gracious invitation. I told her that my church has an open communion table where all are welcome. I hoped they would feel comfortable enough to join us. She smiled and returned to her seat. When the time for sharing communion arrived, they both came up front and received the elements. I felt my heart leap for joy as I offered them the bread and wine, a visible reminder that God has saved a place for all of us at the table and, as the parable says, "there's still room" for more.

This is all a part of God's "extravagant welcome" as one United Church of Christ pastor put it. Romans 3:28 says "we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law [NLT]." Faith is the ONLY criterion for acceptance in God's Kingdom. It doesn't matter whether we go to church every week or haven't been back in years. It doesn't matter whether we are gay or straight or somewhere in-between. If I understand the parable correctly, God has saved a place for everyone at the table...and there's still room for more. So, if it's been a while since you've been to worship, find an LGBT supportive church and accept God's extravagant invitation to come and dine.