Welcoming the stranger
Genesis 18:1-8
(Abraham) looked up and saw three men standing near him. When she saw them , he ran from the tent to greet them…. Gen. 18:2
Abraham camped at the Oaks of Mamre, an oasis where he and his entourage could rest. His wife Sarah found it so inviting and so comfortable that she made Abraham promise to someday bury her in the shade of these oaks. Here there is water, pasture, shade, a place to pitch tents.
Into this idyllic setting come three men who are strangers to Abraham. However, hospitality is the greatest virtue in the Middle East. It was so in Abraham’s day and continues to be in many places in that region now.
Abraham leaps to his feet and goes out of his way to offer not just what might be leftovers, not just a handout, but a meal of the finest that Abraham had to offer. As gracious guests the three eat gratefully of the food that they are offered. As the meal ends, they reaffirm God’s promise of a son for Abraham and Sarah. Sarah giggles at the absurdity of the promise of a son in old age.
What shall we make of a stranger’s promises? How and when do we trust that there is a divine presence behind the stranger and their word to us? In the shadow of the cross, shall we giggle at the outrageous promise of resurrection? I suspect we do and have.
Strangers can and do bring unexpected news of God’s love and favor. Strangers can proclaim God’s promises to us in ways that require us to suspend disbelief. Strangers can be and often are God’s gift to us.
PRAY: God of all peoples, we remember that no one is a stranger to you. That all humankind is made in your image and likeness. That all deserve dignity and respect. Give us your eyes to see you in the stranger. Amen.
FAST: From an attitude of superiority over those different from yourself.
ACT: Set aside items for school kits given through LWR
OR set aside $1 for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
...the least of these... 