One of the most popular word nowadays is Inclusive. It is defined as not excluding any person, party or group. The basis for this in the matters of faith, is that all are children of God, with the only difference being blessed differently because of each mission given by God. Sadly though, discrimination is very real.

We all have experienced discrimination because:

• we were of different economic class
• we spoke differently
• we dressed differently
• we had a different religion or belief system
• we were of different color
• … and the list goes on and on…

During the time of Jesus, the ones who were placed in the peripheries were the sick, the foreigners, the children, the women, the tax collectors, and yes, the sinners. Jesus showed his inclusiveness by being with the sinners.

Three things he did:

• First, he ate with the tax collectors and sinners. Hence there was already a bond that was forged.
• Second, he got to know who they were. Perhaps their names, their story, their fears, their insecurities, their hopes.
• Third, he was not converted. It was Jesus who converted them. In other words, He showed them that from their sinfulness, there is another way.

May we always remember that we are all equals in the eyes of God, as Jesus himself set the most humble example with his mission and life.