We often speak about gatekeeping in our society and communities. How often do we address it or point it out when it happens in our church communities? We see the disciples trying to control or limit who gets access to Jesus, who should benefit from his ministry and who should not. Maybe the difference between
ourselves and the disciples is that they asked Jesus to send the woman away because she kept calling for him for Jesus’ attention. We do not ask; we decide for ourselves, informed by our own prejudices, who gets access and who does not to the church community.
It is unfortunate to see this happen in our communities, where people we elect to serve the church
community end up being the ones that consider themselves gatekeepers. They will decide who gets the appointment with the priest or pastor; they will decide who is fit, often by their own definitions, to serve in the church as Catechists, Sunday School teachers and Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Sometimes they decide who will be given membership to communities. It is heartbreaking when this control is enforced, and the community is restricted from access to gifts like
receiving the Sacraments.
Why is gatekeeping happening in our churches? Why are we doing this? Who is doing this? We often say everyone is welcome. However, we expect them to come after they have changed so much about themselves to make us comfortable. We are reminded today about the welcoming nature of Jesus to all who came to him for help. He spoke to them, loved
them and accepted them as they were in that moment.
How might you be invited to notice your role in your church community? Are you open and welcoming to all? Are you one to limit and control resources and opportunities? Ask the Lord for light to be able to see as he sees and to desire to see what he wants you to see.
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
