I grew up as one of a set of triplets. Do you think we always agreed on music in my mom’s minivan? Not a chance. Sometimes I liked what was playing, sometimes my siblings did. That’s community—different people with different tastes, united by something bigger than those preferences.
This week’s Super Bowl halftime show controversy reminded me of that minivan.
I’ll be honest—I’ve never really listened to Bad Bunny’s music. Pop isn’t my thing, and that’s okay. For me, it was just halftime of a football game. But what troubled me wasn’t the music—it was the response.
The most concerning complaint? That he’s not “American.” Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico, which means he’s been a U.S. citizen his entire life. Puerto Ricans are American citizens, subject to our government, but can’t vote in our national elections. Saying he’s not American is false—unless we’re defining “American” by race or language. There’s no place for that kind of exclusion in our country or in our faith communities.
The second complaint—that “no one” knows him—is also false. He’s one of the most-streamed artists worldwide, second only to Taylor Swift. Millions know his music. We just confuse our own taste with everyone else’s.
Here’s what struck me: this controversy reveals something deeper about how we think about community and who gets a seat at the table.
When we say “no one” likes something, we often mean “I don’t like it, and people like me don’t like it.” We center ourselves and our preferences as the norm. But that’s not how the Kingdom of God works.
In God’s Kingdom, the last are first. The marginalized are centered. Those without power—like citizens who can’t vote—are worthy of our deepest respect. The Body of Christ celebrates when different parts are honored, even when it’s not “our turn.”
The NFL made a business decision to reach new audiences, particularly Spanish-speaking fans. What if the Church approached community the same way? What if we asked, “Who isn’t at the table? Whose voice isn’t being heard?” instead of “Is this for me?”
There’s a spiritual practice in recognizing that the world—and the Church—doesn’t revolve around us. It’s the practice of humility, of celebrating when others are honored, of finding joy in someone else’s moment even when it’s not our style.
Jesus modeled this constantly. He centered the children when the disciples wanted to dismiss them. He ate with tax collectors when the religious elite found it scandalous. He welcomed the unwelcome.
So here’s my invitation to all of us: Watch the things that aren’t “for you” with curiosity. Be genuinely happy when your neighbors experience joy—even if you don’t share that particular joy. When we critique, use “I” statements: “I didn’t connect with it” or “It wasn’t my thing.” Own our preferences without universalizing them.
And resist the urge to question whether someone belongs—whether at the Super Bowl, in our country, or in our churches.
Because in the Kingdom of God, the table is big enough for all of us. The minivan has room for everyone’s music. And sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply being happy that someone else is happy.
What cultural moments have challenged you to celebrate others? How might God be inviting you to practice hospitality and humility in your own community?