We used to sing "Mansion Over the Hilltop" in church to affirm this alternative vision from the Gospel of John. Most modern Bible translations now use "rooms" or "dwelling places" instead of "mansions". (The New King James Version still uses "mansions".)
Sunday's alternative vision has at least three challenges for us who take pride in calling ourselves followers of the Risen One.
First, God's house has space--safe space--for everyone! All are welcome there. Second, Jesus will make sure everyone has a room. He will prepare each and every room. Finally, Jesus himself will welcome everyone to God's house! So that where he is, we will all be there also.
The vision is God's vision for the world God loves, not God's vision for heaven or anywhere else. The vision requires hard work. And we, my friends, you and I, are part of the realization of this vision.
*art, "All Are Welcome," book cover of the New York Times bestselling book by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman.
