An open invitation When was the last time someone invited you to go do something? Maybe you went to a concert, or to dinner, a hike, or a cup of coffee. Perhaps you were the one doing the inviting. You were excited about something you were going to do and wanted someone to join you. I think invitation is at the very heart of God. With a word he invites things to come into being, and they do. The stars. the moon, the sun, the seas, the dry land... And He invites people to be in relationship with him (it’s an open invitation). Not surprisingly as those created in the image of God, that invitational nature is reflected in us as well. We both love to invite and to be invited. Sometimes, the invitation is an introduction…to meet someone you have wanted to get to know. Jesus, as the incarnate expression of God, invites us to follow him... to join with him in his life and work. In turn, we, as those he invites, are called to invite others to follow Him as well. It might be over a cup of coffee or on a walk. It might be an invitation to come to church or to a bible study. And let them know it’s an open invitation. Blessings, Matthew+ O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 225) | 
