On occasion, I deliver a “First Person” sermon during our Sunday morning service. It’s a special way to become one with Jesus’ story…laughing and talking with the people who approach Jesus…everyone feeding off each other’s joy. But what about the times there are nothing but sick and needy people around Jesus? Do we really want to be part of such a gathering?

Be honest. We are judgmental — all of us. We don’t like being around people that aren’t like us. Oh, we say we’re accepting, but how many of us would fail when put to the test? I recall one Gospel passage where even Jesus sounded judgmental.

A Gentile woman approached Jesus, asking Him to rid her daughter of a demon, and he says something like, “I haven’t come for the likes of you and your daughter!” But reading on, such a statement was surely a test. She wasn’t to be dismissed, even by Jesus. She says, “But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table.” Her faith told her that everyone is entitled to Jesus’ saving embrace, and Jesus didn’t disappoint. Her daughter was healed!

Take time to imagine yourself in Jesus’ presence. And if you find yourself without a solution to a problem, imagine Jesus, standing on the edge of a quiet stream, looking at the landscape around him…and then…He sees YOU! And all is well…again. Imagination is a wonderful gift. Try it…you’ll like it!

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.