Come. See.

Today at church, the celebrant gave us an interesting take-on for the theme 'Come and See'.  (This has reference to the apostles asking Jesus where he lived and Jesus answers "Come, see").

Apparently there are three surprises waiting for us when we eventually reach heaven.  

The first : We will be surprised to find ourselves there. (Of course, this has to happen.  Its bound to happen as this is what we live for).

The second:  We will be surprised to find our loved ones waiting for us.  (Oh what a reunion!!!  Sweet joy!)

The third:  We will definitely be surprised to meet the very same people who we do not want to meet here on earth already there ahead of us 'in heaven'.  ( Whoa... have I reached the right gate?  Now, lets take a moment for that to sink in.   Do I 'HAVE' to meet them there?)

This is how frail our human nature is like; how narrow and self-centered we are, that we fail to look beyond one's outer covering. There is more to each person if we take the time to see.  We like all that's easy and comfortable in our lives.   Beyond that, where it needs effort to step over hurdles of prejudices, lifestyles, and rigid customs or in our basic mannerisms of being kind to others, we often fail to take that extra leap of faith.

What if we did just that: Jumped right out of ourselves to reach out to those whom we do not like?  Perhaps we might see them in a different and better light after all.   Perhaps this might be the change that we need today; just to make that difference in our lives too.

Praise God for people whom we do not like.  Teach us Lord, to appreciate their lives, even if we do not necessarily believe all that they believe in, and help us to show basic respect towards them even if it is something very difficult to do.  We trust in your grace and strength and thank you for each of them.  Amen.

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”   

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”   

(John 1: 38, 39)