The kingdom is full of surprises. Jesus startled his disciples, his enemies and his general audiences by the way he lived and the way he told the great story. Those who think they should be rewarded come in last. The least are the greatest. The immoral receive forgiveness.
Adults become like children again.
The religious miss the banquet and the street people come in. The pious look ridiculous. Grace abounds, just when you thought it had dried up. But surprises work both ways, as we've learned all over again in recent months at St. Bart's. St. Bart's as a community of the kingdom of God on earth has worked hard to make it clear that we are as welcoming to all God's children as God is welcoming to us.