The pastor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Midland shared a message of inclusion in the church's Aug. 23 bulletin.

The Rev. Joe Frankenfield explained that inclusion is an important part of Christ’s message to us all and a part of our duty to others.

He reflected that when he was growing up, there were a number of children with Mexican heritage in his hometown but there was not much interaction with them outside of school and Sunday Mass.

“No one ever discussed their participation in the community,” Fr. Frankenfield said. “But it didn’t strike me as strange. They were okay kids, but different— part of us but not completely. My parents never belittled them, but my aunts and uncles sometimes made comments about the Mexicans living in town not being up to par with the rest of us, not really belonging and always vaguely suspect.”

Frankenfield realized that there was racism running deeply through the community, against people of one ethnicity or heritage even though we all have foreign heritages.

It does not take much time to realize that when Christ was on earth and working with those around him, he was usually the one accepting in those who society had rejected.

God’s love is far-reaching and meant for all.

“There seems to be an insecurity in us that wants to prove that we’re special because we aren’t someone else and we’re better than someone else," Frankenfield said. "We try to preserve that specialness by excluding the someone-elses."

This, however, is absolutely counter to the kingdom of God that Christ came to preach and model for us.

“I have grown more aware of how central inclusion is to the Gospel," Fr. Frankenfield said. "It was the truth that Jesus taught, not just something that He taught. It was also the central attitude that he called for in his followers."