An Inclusive Church

Homily of the 6th Sunday of Easter
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Texts: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29

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An inclusive church is not a church where anything is permitted, rather a church where everybody is welcome, because we are all in need of redemption. While we do not open the door to those who have consciously chosen to make God in their image, by taking their lives into their own hands, we strive to give opportunity to all who acknowledge their need for God.

Today, we are called to open the door of the church for all and sundry. We cannot be too legalistic about the things of God. He orders all things gracefully. This is evident in the early church as they discern welcoming the Gentiles into the gathering of their early believers. Led by the Holy Spirit, they lifted off the unnecessary burdens that may hinder them from participating in the life of the church community. They said,
“For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

The second reading presents the vision of the heavenly Jerusalem where God’s presence in the only guiding light. “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” Our faith should be tied to God who unites us and are ready to lead us to pasture. God himself is our temple. We sing in the popular song, “Behold among men the dwelling place Of God, they shall be his people, and’ he shall be their Lord and God.” In God’s light we see that we all belong to one family and cannot be separated by any form of human law.

More so, in the gospel, Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, who unites us in love. The Holy Spirit comes with varying gifts, all for the edifying of the body of Christ. Though different, or gifted differently, The Spirit comes to established peace among us. So, the first test of God’s presence in a place is the lookout for the existence of peace. He does not live in chaos. Rather he restores order in chaotic situations. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

Therefore, let us make the house God a place of welcome where people feel at home amidst the chaos in the world. Let us create an enabling environment for all who are searching for peace and succour. God remains our light. May his Kingdom come. Amen

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