Strangers and Sojourners
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April 29, 2017“But they urged him, ‘Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. (Lk 24:29)
Who is the host, and who the guest?
The disciples invite a stranger to stay with them, in someone else’s house, in which they, too, are guests. The stranger then proceeds to act as host, by taking, blessing, breaking the bread and giving it to them. This is the moment at which they recognize him.
St Benedict speaks of receiving guests with reverence and with all kindness, because Christ is encountered in them. Strangers become guests are mercy from God. A visiting monk may have been sent by God to give some reasonable criticism or so that his way of life may edify the community. If so, he may be urged to stay.
At Wrentham, we receive guests constantly. These may be visitors to our church or guest house, or monastic guests who come to lead a class or a retreat, for a friendly visit of a few hours, or a few days. Some come for a year or more and share fully in our community life and work. Many come and go, but not a few come and stay. They are mercy for us, mercy among us. Because of them, we become mercy.
We are all “strangers and sojourners” (1 Pt 2:11).
May we learn to receive one another, so as to make of strangers, guests, and then perhaps of guests, friends.
Image: "On the Way to Emmaus" by Janet Brooks Gerloff
