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September 2, 2007 - 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
-- Hebrews 13:1-2
How much easier it is be gracious to those we know (and like) than to open
our lives to strangers. Our cultural mentality is to be suspicious of strangers,
especially if they exhibit any differences that we do not understand.
Our hesitation raises the question, what do we expect? Do you expect strangers
to be "bad" and a threat to your safety, or do you expect the next stranger you meet
to be an angel of blessing? Think of how many times you have been surprised by grace
when you have opened your life to others?
True hospitality involves humility, openness, and blessing. Jesus is the greatest
example of this lifestyle into which we are all called as his followers. What a gift!
When have you been surprised by Jesus’ presence through a stranger? To whom are you
called to be an "angel" this day?
We pray: O God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those
who are humble. Give us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity
of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost:
- Psalm 112
- Proverbs 25:6-7
- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
- Luke 14:1, 7-14
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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