“So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matt 20:16), is the last verse in today’s Gospel reading. What a radical concept! What if the first place medal and prizes in today’s marathon here in Columbus went to the last person over the finish line? What if the last place team in baseball or football (or whatever sport you follow) went to the championship? I expect there would be uproar, and a whole set of rules changes.
But Jesus saw the world differently. He saw value in everyone. Even those in last place. Especially those in last place. Do you?
In today’s Gospel readings, Jesus tells his disciples, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt 18:20). He’s with us today too. Here. Now. Did you catch his smile in that of an old friend? Did you feel his love in a hug?
In Romans 12:21 Paul writes “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. Evil really doesn’t understand good. Evil thinks good is weak, spineless. But good has the ultimate superhero on its side, the Triune God. And with God, all things are possible.
