High school “cliques,” college fraternities and sororities, suburban country clubs: “Invitation Only” private membership groups are not primarily about who they let in. They are most importantly about who they keep out. Exclusivity means some are chosen, but many more are turned away.

In today’s gospel text Jesus’ disciples once again reveal just how much instruction they still require. They misunderstand their calling as Jesus’ back-up team. They hear Jesus’ “Follow me” as an “exclusive” invitation which somehow makes them special. Jesus’ reprimand reminds the disciples that the only “exclusive” presence is his own utterly uniqueness as the Christ, the only one who can stand before the Father. It is Jesus, the most Exclusive One, who extends an all-inclusive invitation to the world.

Th…