“Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.” – Matthew 15:29-30
While the healings of Jesus are certainly worth reflection, Jesus’ ability to build inclusive communities wherever he went is truly miraculous. He welcomes the rich and well-respected and the poor and unnoticed. He welcomes the healthy and “the lame, the blind, deformed, mute, and many others.” His company is not exclusive, and all those who come to him are welcomed.
As a freshman at Xaverian Brothers in 2011, I considered transferring to my town school. What kept me at Xaverian was an invitation from an upperclassman leader of a faith group. He, along with Campus Ministers, modeled Jesus’ love through their inclusivity and warm welcome. As members of the XBSS network, we must be curious, not judgmental. We must invite others to come as they are. This Advent, may we be inspired by the model of Jesus to make our school communities places of inclusion where all may feel the hope and peace that come from being seen, known, and loved.
Come, Holy Spirit! You’ve given us great spiritual gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. May we accept these gifts graciously and live each day as inclusive community builders seeking to follow Jesus’ model in our own lives. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!
Matthew Greeley