Yeah, But

Too old.

Not enough money.

Wrong friends.

Too young.

Not the right certification. Or degree. Or background.

If you knew my family….

The crazy unfair system strikes again.

I have my favorite one. Okay, I have several favorites.

Be honest: so do you.

We have our favorite excuses that we drag out and polish.

So did this guy: “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

He said that to Christ Jesus, who responded, perhaps brusquely, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

The Gospel According to St. John, chapter 5, has that scene.

I’ve lived that moment. Maybe you have, too.

I’ve taken out favorite excuses and used them and fiddled with them and fondled them for so long that by now they’re smooth and shiny.

But they don’t impress The Son of God at all.