What makes you feel welcomed? A smile...a handshake...music... How do you feel when you are welcomed? Comfortable...wanted...
St. James reminds us that we need to be welcoming not only to those with "gold rings and fine clothes," but also to those in "shabby clothes."
Jesus made everyone feel welcome. He helped people fit in. When the people brought the deaf man to him, he opened the man's ears so that the man could hear and fit in with everyone else.
It can be easier to welcome someone we know or who looks and acts like us, but as followers of Jesus Christ, we are welcome everyone in our midst regardless of what they look like or how they act.
We learn hospitality first and foremost in our families. Parents actions toward visitors and strangers will influence how children respond to visitors and strangers. In order to create a more welcoming society, families must reach out to their neighbors and to strangers, to welcome them, to see the face of Jesus in them.
Faith Chat Question: How do you choose your friends, the people who you want to be with?
Faith Response: As school begins this week, challenge students to notice and introduce themselves to other students who may be new to the school or not have any friends. Each evening at dinner or bedtime, talk about the new and old friends your children have made.
Pray: Jesus, help us to be welcoming to all people. Amen.
