Thursday, 2 February 2017

TO WELCOME STRANGERS

PRAYER PAUSE


Friday 3 February 2017


TO WELCOME STRANGERS


Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.


Reading: “Continue to love each other, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1-8)



Reflection. At a time when Trump is sending out a clear message, “Strangers not welcome” and Europe is frightened of whom the wave of migrants might bring, a climate of fear of “others” is growing and the message of welcome and “building bridges” (Pope Francis) is being drowned out. Yet to welcome can mean “entertaining angels,” that is, opening up to new vistas in our own lives. When I was introduced to people living with intellectual disabilities I was frightened. But once I was helped to come to know them I realised they touch areas of my heart which up to then lay closed and out of bounds.


Prayer. Lord, help us to go against the prevailing culture of fear of strangers. Teach us to welcome those who are different and stretch out our bounds. Amen.





























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