School Mass - February 23

Today during mass, Father Matthew spoke to us about being Inclusive and Welcoming.  He reminded us of what we heard in the Gospel today - when John was concerned that he saw someone casting away demons in Jesus' name.  He said, "Jesus, he's not one of us, we should go tell him to stop."  But Jesus answered, "Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us."  

Jesus was reminding John that as Catholics, our umbrella is large enough for everyone. There is no Catholic who is "better" or "worse".  We all love the same God, we all put our faith in the same God, and we all want to follow the same God.  It is not a competition between believers, but instead a giant umbrella in which there is room for all.  

Father Matthew reminded us that this applies to our own lives.  He reminded us that while we are all uniquely designed, we are uniquely designed by one God and that God shows us time and time again that all are welcome under his umbrella!