7-May-23 (John 14:1-14)

When I was young, my family and I went camping a lot, but I do remember one time that we actually stayed in a hotel. I was amazed to see how many rooms there were in the hotel... over 700! Have you ever been to a place like that? [Wait for answers]
In the gospel for today Jesus tells his disciples that God's realm is something like that. There will be a place for everybody. And when I say everybody, I mean everybody. Not just a few. Not just the ones that look like us or even the ones that believe in exactly the same way we do.
God's realm will be just full of people who have seen different things and done things differently and yet there's a place for all of them, even us. Jesus said that he's going on ahead to get things ready for us. I can hardly wait.

Let's talk to God about that.
God, we thank you for Jesus, who is always making sure that there's a place for each and every one of us. Help us when we start thinking we know who belongs and who doesn't to admit that we'll probably be surprised at some of the folks we see. Help us to do the things we need to do right here and now to share your love with all others so that they will know that there's a place for them too.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.