"Some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, 'Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place.'" -- Acts 22:27-28

We see here how Paul was beginning to feel the heat.  The crowds were turning against him.  Others were plotting to bring him down.  This level and amount of change was just too much for them.  Set in their ways for centuries, and living their lives within the framework of the law brought order and sanity to their world.  Now Paul, in the name of Jesus, was turning that all upside down.  He understood the radical inclusion the Gospel calls for, and allowed those who were not of his race into the holiest of sanctuaries.  This was criminal.  But to Paul, it was the loving thing to do.  Jesus lived and died for all... not just a few chosen ones.  Are we inviting all into our holy spaces?  Do we fight for the inclusion of others?

Readings:  2 Kings 20:1-22:2; Acts 21:17-36; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 18:9-10