I remember being left out. It was camp. I was sure I was the best at “something.” There was a big table of trophies. One by one there were given out. I thought some were not deserved. And then the last trophy was given out. I could not believe it. It was not plausible. It didn’t make sense. And then there was the junior crossing guard matter. Someone got six tickets for the junior crossing guards, of whom I was one, to go to a Cubs game. But there were eight junior crossing guards. You guessed it. I was of two people left out, even tho I had perfect attendance and took it seriously. When these incidents occurred I was befuddled, bewildered, and upset. I was not the one to be left out. This made no sense, and was maddening.
Two things:
1. No one is left out from God’s love. His love is poured out for all, and no one is excluded from God’s love touching them.
2. There are many people in this world who FEEL left out today.
As God’s people, touched by God’s love, may we have an eye out for the “left out,” those who are least, last, and lost. Moreso, may we recall what it is to be left out. Being left out leaves one confused, saddened, and de-energized. Some of Jesus’ most memorable teaching moments have to do with finding the lost. We may recall the lost son, the Prodigal Son, and the rejoicing that accompanies his return to his father. Let us be those who have regard and empathy for the lost around us, individuals and groups. In the light of the Resurrection of Christ, may we see lost souls and work that they may be freed from living under the pressure of being unnoticed, lost, and left out.
