Hebrews 13:1-8

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:2, NKJV)

I’m guilty.

There have been times in my life that I have stepped aside, diverted my eyes, steered clear of people because of their looks, potential dangers, or just their differences compared to mine. It’s not about anything but a gut response, a lizard-brain, self-protective reaction. We all do it because it’s hard wired in us, and most of us have been trained to be leery of strangers.

It’s how we define “stranger” that is important, though.

The author of the book (or sermon) of Hebrews reminds us that while we all differ, we are all still part of this human family and therefore neighbors for which we hold great responsibility. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor. St. Paul taught to “Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you.” (Romans 15:7)

St. Thomas a Kempis emphasizes in his work The Imitation of Christ that this is crucial to living a life that mirrors the spirit and actions of Jesus.

I met John in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem just inside the Jaffa Gate. We had chatted for just a moment when he invited me to sit and offered me a cup of coffee. John waived his hand and a few moments later a young boy came over with two fresh cups of the hot, sweet nectar of the gods. (If you haven’t noticed, I like my coffee and especially the Turkish version.) He was curious about me and I was just as curious about him. He was Armenian and his family had lived in Jerusalem for more than 200 years. We visited for a long time, he showed me his shop (where I also met his brother), then we shook hands and went our own ways.

That day is vivid in my memory and reminds me of this passage in Hebrews. It would have been too easy to just say hello and move on, or ignore him completely, or he me, but we didn’t. Instead, two strangers created a moment of grace and peace amidst a bustling and often contentious city. It felt holy and right. It cost me nothing but time. And I received so much more (than just coffee).

“Strangers are just people I haven’t met yet,” said Glinda when she first met Bock (Wicked).

John is likely still selling antiques and trinkets to Holy Land Pilgrims, but that day it was like meeting an angel…or even Jesus.

Maybe today you can watch for opportunities to see the strangers in your midst. They may be angels, and even more likely friends you just haven’t met yet. - Chris