Today’s scripture: Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
Outcast No More
One of the most mesmerizing and meaningful movie scenes for me has to be Esmeralda singing God Help the Outcast, from the motion picture The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Esmeralda is hated by “religious” society because she is a gypsy. As Esmeralda reflects, she wonders if she is excluded from God’s love — the examples around her sure seem to point to her exclusion — yet somewhere in her soul she senses that perhaps there is a place for her in God’s love.
The shepherds spoken of in the reading today, were the outcast of their time. Their jobs required them to perform functions that made them “unclean.” Folks didn’t want them around! They weren’t welcome at the temple even though they were most likely tending the temple sheep! I am sure they must have felt a bit like Esmeralda. They might have looked at the “religious folks” and wondered if God’s love was for them. Or maybe they believed that God’s love was only for the “religious.”
Now think about what we read today! Can you believe it? God chooses the outcast shepherds to be the first to hear the awesome news of Jesus’ birth! Not the “proper” religious people, but rather the stinky outcast shepherds! God really does love the outcast and goes out of the way to include those who are outcast and marginalized in the message of the gospel!
As a gay woman I often feel marginalized and outcast by our society. I can’t marry the one I love (at least not in Indiana). I can still be fired or denied housing because of my sexuality. I have been excommunicated from some Christian denominations and I often hear men and women declare me unfit for the Christian faith.
When I read today’s story I see myself pushed “out on the hill.” I want to shout, “Hold on a moment! God sent Jesus to me FIRST!” (I know I shouldn’t brag about being first, but I can’t help it!) Jesus can’t be held hostage by some limited idea of the gospel! Like it or not, NO ONE is marginalized or outcast from the message we hear today!
Get used to it church! I’m here, I’m queer, and I too belong in the gospel story!
Thought for the day: Can you see yourself in the gospel story? Where in my soul do I need healing from the pains of marginalization?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.