I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
This was the theme of one of a number of ecumenical services held last Friday night as churches around the island marked World Day Of Prayer 2013.
Congregations from across the island met at strategic locations from as early as 7:30 p.m. to pray, praise and worship.
At Fulnec Moravian Church, Watts Village, St George, those gathered at the church set their eyes on France. They paid attention to that country’s culture mix and willingness to welcome and embrace people with different backgrounds from across the globe.
As members of the congregation enacted the way of life for various people in France, Reverend Roslyn Hamblin urged the congregation, in her message, to welcome and embrace people from all regions, including those who visit their respective churches. She also advised them not to judge these people in the process.
“Be careful to entertain strangers,” she advised.
“Welcome the strangers among you and those whom you meet. We have been cautioned by Jesus that in reaching out to the stranger, some at times have entertained angels unawares.”
Hamblin said so often “Christians do not welcome those outside of their [respective] church.”
She said when many stand before the Judgment Seat of God, some will inherit the Kingdom of God for having fed the hungry, clothed the naked, taken care of the sick and visited those in prison.
She said many who are righteous would, on the contrary, be punished for failing to do these things, not realizing that looking after the needy was one way of pleasing God.
The preacher added, “Many people sometimes miss the mark” through negligence, not seizing the opportunity to reach out and welcome strangers and others by their own indifference; not hearing enough to reach out and embrace people who need a helping hand.
Hamblin added, “So often we become caught up with our own business and we fail to share with others. We let the simple things in life pass us by.
“The person who has missed the mark might only be concerned about him or herself, not willing to get their hands dirty.
“Maybe they ask, ‘how will this help me? What will it bring to me?’ They are insular and because of their insularity, they fail to reach out.”
“God calls us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. We need to empathize with strangers and reach them wherever they are. We need to understand their needs and share with them in their times of distress,” Hamblin emphasized.
“We can be so prim and proper at times that we shut people out of the Kingdom. When we take time to understand them, despite their differences, we can win them to the Kingdom.”
She encouraged her listeners to practise inclusion and avoid meting out judgement on those who miss the mark.
“I urge you to welcome a stranger so you can hear the commendation from God, “Come ye blessed of the Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”