Questions?

I've been thinking this note for days. Now on an unexpected ice day off from school, I am taking the moment.  Recently struggling with the "whys" of suffering, I am pondering a statement from a friend.   When we make things better or safe for the most vulnerable, we then experience a more just life for all.  She said this is democracy at its center.  A place were the most vulnerable have a voice.

Is this the life God desires for us?  Making a way for the least of these, first?  What about the man lowered through the roof to see Jesus by his friends.  Or Jesus squatting by the woman found in 'sin' ready to be justifiably stoned...and he frees her; shinning light on their sinful hearts. I compare this to our present struggles.  We tend to be people who ignore the poor, turn a deaf ear to in humane verbal abuse Yet protest some of strangest events. In communities if faith we hear voices like...

"that's not how we experience god- so it's bad.  I can't worship because of the style.  We can't allow those children here, they don't know how to behave.  We don't have room, come back later.  You've not been here enough, our church is a commitment. Come back when you can fulfill your part. That's weird behavior, God can't use it.  In order to please God, I must micro manage or control it all.  The poor have no excuse. The desperate should have told us they were hurting.  I've earned my way, good luck to you."

Not sure this blends with the LOVE of Jesus.   This couldn't have been the attitude of the friends, they wouldn't have persevered to lower him to Jesus. Jesus wouldn't have paid any attention to Zacheaus.  Nor the women with 5 lovers at the well. And forget the dude on the cross, he was getting what he deserved for sure.  And David, well forgot a heart like God?   Take a look at the underground church or persecuted refugees with no place to lay their heads....still with a fierce desire to seek God.

Yet we struggle through our own preferences daily.  Our own prejudices.  We fight against not losing power and fanning such deep commitments to "what ought to be" that we are not much different than those who celebrate their own achievements even if they have walked over and on others, simply justifying it as that's business. Is the love of God not able to do exceedingly more?   Is it not able to move mountains?  Is it not able to give sight to the blind?   Pardon the worst sinner?

Then who am I?  I fellow journeyer, saved only by Gods goodness and free gift of himself.  I, too, can have joy midst suffering and not stand for the oppression of any living thing.   I can democratically make voice for the least of these.  As we make way for the coming of Christ, we are to be the kingdom of god in the here and now.