A group of new arrivals in heaven met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. He began to show them around, pointing out areas of interest and filling them in on the rules of the Kingdom.
There were many “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd, and they were obviously enjoying themselves immensely. Suddenly Saint Peter stopped a short distance from a massive building which was miles-wide, long and high, and without doors or windows.
“While we pass this building,” he said, “you must walk quietly and utter not so much as a sound.” So the entourage tiptoed obediently past the monolith without a word.
Once they were past, however, an inquisitive soul inquired, “Why did we have to be so quiet when we passed that building?”
Saint Peter responded, “God put the (name a religious group here) in there. They think they’re the only ones up here.” A God Poke
It isn’t just (name a religious group here) who think they are the only ones who have got this God business right. There are other denominations and faiths who also give the impression of exclusiveness and project the feeling that it is only natural that the blessings of God should fall upon them and no one else. They probably drew a black line in their bibles over the words of Jesus when he said that it “rains on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45)
It is important to realize that God’s religious tastes are not as narrow as ours. According to Jesus, all who love the name of God are welcomed. Something to pray over this Lenten Thursday.
Jesus taught us: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us.” (John 17:20)
With thanks to John M. Braaten
