Nougat 20

Hello my dear

As a child, I absolutely could not understand my mother’s generosity. It baffled me and maybe my siblings. Mummy had no qualms sharing or giving away her last to someone in need. Sometimes it seemed she was even helping strangers. Once, I read today’s Holy Nougat and I began to grasp that this had a biblical base. This is actually three choice pieces that I felt had to be had together:

““My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.” “All right,” they said. “Do as you have said.”” Genesis‬ ‭18:3-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Every time I read this nougat, it warms my heart. The ‘he’ in this nougat is Abraham; shortly after his name was changed. He saw three men sitting near his home. Unlike us 20-21st century humans; Abraham seemed unaware of the issue of ‘Stranger Danger’ – a very real challenge in our time. On seeing the men by the shade of his oaks trees, his response was to bow low and honor them further by using a title of respect; then seek their permission to offer them hospitality: water to clean up, and food for nourishment. He had no thought about their status, this was what he and his wife did naturally.

In our 21st century societies, this is not very common. There are still some genuine and generous people around; but many of us would either be calling the police, trying to determine Why they turned up at the outskirts of our property; or determining How to discreetly get rid of the smelly people. At best, we might offer water to drink. But to wash their feet – that’s a Lot of water even by an oasis! And to insist that they also stayed to eat – well that may have been pushing it; since Abraham made the offer THEN instructed his wife. (Of course, it could also have been that Sara saw the men first and sent Abraham on the mission of hospitality.)

I guess this nougat resonates this time around as I have been blessed with such hospitality several times in my own spiritual journeys – thanks to all who heeded God in that wise. But, on hearing of the unprecedented snow in Texas this past week; I’ve been thinking about the homeless and those whose roofs caved in under the deluge. With Covid-19 distancing restrictions; shelters are likely to already be overwhelmed! How will folks manage? I think of small island states like St Vincent and the Grenadines; which is under volcanic watch at this time. Of migrants; people on the move – displaced for whatever reason, whether permanently or temporarily.

Agreed; the government and senate ought to make provisions for such. Sometimes they do, or not. But what about us? Are we willing to go that extra mile for a stranger; even if we have no idea Who they are socially or financially? It doesn’t have to be about putting ourselves and family at risk; but will we risk being the face of God’s grace that someone sees in their season of distress? Perhaps in our hospitality, we will catch a glimpse of God in the other.