About the time that the Twin Towers were built in New York City, Karl Olsson wrote a book titled Meet Me on the Patio. In it, he described the message of Jesus as an invitation to come down out of the towers of status, power, and privilege, to meet one another on the patio of our common humanity. As Jesus said, “Woe to you who are rich … who are full … who are laughing now.”*
In other words, God’s realm is not a promise of prosperity, success or even pleasure. It is an invitation to release what separates us in order to engage fully and deeply with each other. That felt like such good news to me because I could stop pretending to be smarter, stronger or better than I was. With others who chose to be vulnerable instead of flaunting degrees, money or recognition, a new kind of intimacy was possible. It gave me a glimpse of real community and I wanted more.
Interestingly, Karl Olsson did not include a chapter on those who live in the basement, those who need to climb UP in order to reach the patio of our common humanity. I noticed that because, as a woman, I was feeling marginalized in certain evangelical gatherings and academic settings. But Jesus does. You can hear it when he says “Blessed are you who are poor … are hungry … who weep.” In other words, the realm of God is also meant for those who see themselves as less than others. The lost, the least, and the lonely.
You can hear the “less than” position when someone says “Oh, I’m just a … bus driver … a mother … a clerk.” That too is a barrier, because it clouds our perception of that person’s value and strength, and their belovedness in the realm of God. Jesus is saying we ALL belong. Luke makes sure we get the picture by saying Jesus stood on a level place and looked up at his disciples as he began to teach.
As an individual, the invitation to meet ourselves on the patio means that all parts of my life are welcome; nothing has to be excluded or shined up to be acceptable. And to meet one another on the patio of our common humanity opens the door to relationship and respect, even where there is disagreement or a cultural gap. God knows we need that today.
–Marjory Zoet Bankson, Editor of InwardOutward.org
- How do you connect with people who are unlike yourself?
- When have you felt unexpectedly welcomed?
- What makes you feel “less than” in the presence of others?
