Hebrews 13:1-6
1 Let mutual affection continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 6 So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
If you’ve ever been an honored guest, you know that it’s an overwhelming feeling. My first real experience with it was my first evening at Ebeneezer Baptist Church, in Atlanta. I was a small-town white girl walking into a big city black congregation. As soon as I walked into the fellowship hall for the women’s dinner, the president of the group came over, hugged me warmly, and led me to an empty chair beside her at the head table. She turned what could have been an incredibly awkward and embarrassing evening into a joyful experience of pure, Biblical hospitality.
St. Benedict instructed his monks to greet every stranger as though they were Jesus, himself. This is a good habit for all of us to adopt. Just imagine how different the world would be if we welcomed every stranger like a friend we just haven’t met yet.
Prayer: Lord Jesus: You took joy in everyone you met. Show me everyone I encounter through your eyes of love today. AMEN