Beloved community,

The wisdom found within the pages of Scripture often extends beyond its historical context, finding renewed relevance in our present times. Matthew 23:24 stands out as one such verse: “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” On its face, the image appears almost whimsical—a powerful juxtaposition of the minuscule and the massive. Yet, this teaching from Jesus is a striking reminder that rings true today, perhaps even more resoundingly.

In His time, Jesus critiqued religious leaders who fixated on the smallest details of law and tradition—the “gnats”—while neglecting the weightier, foundational aspects of faith and justice—the “camels.” Today, we might see a parallel in the way our society, and even our faith communities, can become mired in trivialities, allowing significant moral imperatives to pass by unchecked.

A glaring “camel” of our age is the treatment and acceptance of the marginalized—those who’ve been pushed to the periphery due to race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and countless other markers of difference. Sadly, while many debates rage over doctrinal “gnats,” the central message of love, inclusion, and justice can become overshadowed.

We must remember Jesus’s consistent message of reaching out to the marginalized. In Luke 14:13–14, He advises, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed.” The Gospel doesn’t just ask us to acknowledge the marginalized—it compels us to actively invite them into our hearts, homes, and communities.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, reaffirms this message of radical inclusivity: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This profound declaration dismantles societal barriers, calling us into a unity that surpasses any earthly division.

As a faith community, our mission is clear: to shift our focus from the “gnats” of narrow-mindedness and prejudice and, instead, to wholeheartedly embrace the “camels” of love, justice, and acceptance. Let us aspire to be a place where all feel genuinely valued and included, reflecting the boundless love of our Creator.

May we challenge ourselves to reevaluate our priorities, ensuring that we champion the weighty matters of divine love, justice, and inclusion above all else.

With love and hope for a brighter tomorrow,

Rev. Tim Powers-Reed, aka whovianpastor