By Jonathan Camiolo

 

When I was in 4th and 5th grades I was fast and could really play kickball.  I was always one of the first kids picked at recess at school.  It was fun to play always get picked early on and I felt bad for the kids who always got picked last.  Times changed.  My health problems increased in 7th and 8th grade and I gained a lot of weight from medications and lack of activity.  All of a sudden I was one of the kids waiting to the end to be picked to play.  

 

If God had to pick a team, I think he would choose the kids no one wanted on their team first.  He would take the slow, chubby or simply uncoordinated because he has a heart for the oppressed.  It says it clearly in the first reading that God does not play favorites, but that he does have a special place and love for the poor and oppressed.  The responsorial psalm tells us that God hears the cry of the poor and the second reading that He will be the strength to all who need him.  We all need Him, and He will be there for us – for all of us.

 

One thing God does not like is someone who is cocky, rude or prideful.  He loves the humble. In the gospel from Luke we read this, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."  He wants all to be equal because when He created us out of love and sees all of us, athletic or not, intellectual or not, funny or not, as His children.  He loves all of us the same and wants all to have the best life possible.  That’s why He tends to care especially for those that we treat as less or the world leaves to last.  

 

Do you play favorites?  I know I do at times.  It is hard to treat everyone we meet with love, compassion, patience and kindness but we are called to do so.  God has no favorites.  He loves us all.  Can you do better at that?  Think. Pray. Decide. Change.  

 

You are loved!  Pray for me this week and I will pray for you…promise!