Welcome The Stranger

WELCOME THE STRANGER

a prayer to open

Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

May your Kingdom come, may your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

In our world today, strangers are considered dangerous, or at least suspect. We are to avoid and distance ourselves from them for fear of what harm they could bring. But strangers held a special place in Jesus’ heart. In Matthew 25, we read these words of Jesus: “I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home” (verse 35). The author of Hebrews picked up on this teaching, highlighting the importance of welcoming strangers and showing compassion and care for those who are isolated and alone because the place in which they find themselves is not their home.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in a favorite, familiar spot. Get comfortable there, listening for sounds, seeing what is around you. Then imagine Jesus next to you or across from you, looking into your eyes and then saying these words: “Consider those around you who are strangers here. Reach out to them. Welcome them.”

• What would you do today if you allowed Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35 to guide you? What would you stop doing today if you allowed his words to guide you?
• What doubts arise as you think about reaching out to a stranger or welcoming one into your home? What fears or worries surface when you consider Jesus’ words applying to you?
• Who are the “strangers” in your city or town? Under what circumstances does your path cross theirs? Take a few moments to ask God to show you how to express compassion and care toward those who feel isolated or at least unfamiliar with the places in which they find themselves.

Father, soften my heart toward those who find themselves in strange places. Give me insight into how they might be feeling and the confusion or discomfort they may be experiencing in a new environment. Dispel any fears in me that arise from differentness or strangeness, and help me extend the love of Jesus to those people. Show me how to welcome the strangers to my table in the same way you welcomed me to your table. Amen.