For who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted. — Luke 14:11
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. — Hebrews 13:2
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
When he first learned to talk, my youngest child used to run after his siblings calling out, “Do not forget me!” He was tiny, but he did not want to be left out by the fast-moving big kids. In his own way, he understood the concept of “forsaking” which appears in this week’s text from Jeremiah. God’s message, through Jeremiah, is that the people have forsaken God for other, lesser, small-g gods. Heidi McKinnon’s quirky book, I Just Ate My Friend, looks at this concept from a bizarre angle. Monster has just eaten his friend. Well! That is a tricky situation. While eating your friend is not exactly forsaking them, it is similar enough to facilitate a lively discussion and prompt a few giggles.
In this week’s epistle and gospel readings, the themes of hospitality and inclusion are central. At Trinity, Rev. Paul reminds us each week, “at this table there are no outcasts, strangers, nor unwanted guests. All are welcome to come feast at the table of our Lord, so please do come and be fed.” Our Rector emphasizes this radical welcome at Trinity because of the radical welcome which Jesus practices and exhorts his followers to practice. The letter to the Hebrews reminds readers that by showing hospitality to strangers, we may entertain angels in disguise, or messengers from God, as in the story of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18). Kerstin Chen’s book, Lord of the Cranes, beautifully illustrated by Jian Jiang Chen, tells of a generous innkeeper who welcomes a raggedly dressed beggar. As you read, you might wonder together how this story is similar to other stories you know. How might we welcome strangers and newcomers to our church community? What would help you to feel welcome if you visited a strange place?
Jesus attends a banquet in this week’s text from Luke’s gospel. He notices how his host was treating the guests and shares a parable and then gives some very specific instructions about how to extend a proper welcome. (The assigned lectionary leaves out a few verses. If you’d like to be a biblical detective, you can hunt for this passage and read the missing verses.) As you listen to this scripture reading, what clues do you hear about the welcome Jesus received as a guest? What does he remind us to do when we host? Daniel Miyares’ hauntingly illustrated book, Night Out, explores the concept of hospitality and welcome through the loneliness of a boy away at boarding school for the first time. This book contains sparse text and rich illustrations, so it is accessible to very young readers. As you read this story, you might wonder how loneliness is connected to hospitality. You might share memories of extravagant welcoming and being welcomed. What did it feel like to offer welcome? To receive abundant hospitality? Remember, you carry that sense of welcome with you wherever you go in the world and offer it to friends and strangers. Who knows, you might end up welcoming an angel in disguise!
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