October 11

There are studies all over the place that show the importance of holding infants as much as possible (www.time.com/504/how-cuddling-saves-tiny-babies/), and this shouldn’t be a shock to us. Humanity was created to express and receive appropriate physical expressions of love.

One of the most insidious aspects of this virus is the choice every relationship has had to make, weighing the benefits of this essential aspect of the human experience vs. the potential health risks to the other— and one’s self.

It isn’t a decision others can make for you. And it isn’t a decision anyone should have to make.

You know what one of the things I’m looking forward to the most? Throwing a big dinner party. I don’t know when it will happen, only that it will. And you can bet backs will be slapped, hands will be shaken, and hugs will be given to close friends. It will probably be an amazing pot luck.

And I cannot wait.

This week, our Gospel tells us God’s thinking is much the same. (At least I’ve gotten that much right!)

Jesus says the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a feast...a banquet. And He wants it filled with people. If those invited walk away without attending, others will take their place.

The implication is simple: heaven is a party that will go forward with or without us. Think about that. Heaven isn’t going to stop being heaven if we take a different path.

So the choice is ours. Eternal rejoicing IS taking place. Eternal joy IS occurring as we speak. Eternal love IS being experienced. And we are powerless to stop it.

So as they say, if you can’t beat em, join em.

This is not an invitation we need to accept.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.