God in Those Around Us

The main story we hear today is of God and a couple of other heavenly beings visiting Abraham and Sarah incognito in the form of human travellers. As continues to be the case in many cultures, care of and hospitality toward travelling strangers was for Sarah and Abraham a deeply held cultural value. Apparently as a matter of course, Abraham and Sarah treat the trio not with grudging acceptance, but with genuine thoughtful generosity. As can happen in good visits, there is deep conversation and humour shared between guests and hosts. As is also possible, this visit is remembered later because of its importance. In this case, the visit also plays a role in the naming of Sarah and Abraham’s first-born. Do you have an experience of giving or receiving hospitality that you remember as being close to a holy encounter?

Print your tickets