Trinity 12
Collect
Galatians 3: 24-29
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’
*****
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2
John 6: 51
You will notice that Jesus tells the inquisitorial Jews that He doesn’t differentiate between anyone who confesses His name. ‘Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide I me, and I in them’. All those. Whoever.
Paul expands on the same theme in Galatians 3:28 ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’
No ifs or buts. We are all one. Whoever, wherever. One family in Christ, even those who are not of the sheepfold, and those who unknowingly offer food, drink, clothes to the needy in His name.
It is certainly true that showing apparent never-ending hospitality is difficult in an environment where there are increasing numbers of refugees, and people of goodwill are understandably concerned. However there are also those – even some who loudly claim that they profess a faith – who clearly seek to foster hate and broken relationships, usually for their own ends. Yet scripture makes it clear that there is no place in the Kingdom for any who would wish to exacerbate division.
Yes, immigration is an issue. But the issue should be about how to make it possible for people under threat to find safety. There is no getting away from the fact that we are clearly commanded to welcome the stranger, the outcast, and doing so will probably have an effect on our lifestyle. But I can find nowhere in Scripture that suggests that my own comfort should take priority over offering help and support to those in need.
It’s no good saying ‘There’s no room’. Even if true (which it actually isn’t), we’d make plenty of space if it were our children who had no place of safety. Or even, perish the thought, if it were we ourselves seeking shelter.
The challenge of Emma Lazarus’ sonnet ‘The New Colossus’ is not restricted to the plaque on the Statue of Liberty – it applies to all of us, and it is not too long ago when the Irish ourselves found it to be a promise of hope in its expression of welcome in the face of famine and injustice.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Previous Posts
Praying Together 22nd February 2026
If we are to appreciate the gentleness of a lamb, we need to know its opposite. If we are to understand what safety is, we need also to experience the possibility of danger.
Praying Together 15th February 2026
Perhaps, when we pray, we need to remember it is the Jesus on the Mountain to whom we address our prayers, the one whose face shines like the sun and transfigures our faces as we radiate in His light.
Praying Together February 8th 2026
Is Jesus suggesting, not to eat and drink? And is he saying we should not wear clothes but go naked?
How unrealistic is this, and how depressing – we need to eat and drink, and we need clothing.
Praying Together February 1st 2026
Christ’s words are given to all His people in the face of the difficulties we ourselves face in life. We claim them and are assured of Blessing. And that is all we need.
Praying Together January 25th 2026
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Praying Together 18th January 2026
In prayer, we ask: Who is God calling to come and use their specific individual gifts to continue to build His Kingdom in the future?
His reply is clear.
“You”, He says.
Praying Together 11 January 2026
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Praying Together 21st December 2025
Joseph’s example is one of love, human reaction, vocation and ultimate obedience to his Creator. So we rightly celebrate both Mary and Joseph as the chosen parents of the Christ-child. But we must also remember that they were ordinary people with human emotions who lived extraordinary lives.
Praying Together December 7th 2025
By your grace we have the gift of the Scriptures. With the help your grace, may we listen deeply to what you want to say to each one of us. May we know your gifts of endurance, encouragement and hope, so that not only our lips but also our lives may be a song in praise of your mercy.
Praying Together November 30th November 2025
The significance of the Themes and Candles we light during the Advent Season.
Praying Together 23rd November 2025
We celebrate the beginning of the story in Advent – but before we do, it is equally important to celebrate the final act of Coronation. The Gospel proclaims that Jesus is King.
Praying Together 16th November 2025
In ways, the Christian Journey is like a race – a Marathon, not a sprint. The key is endurance, Jesus says. There will be mountains to climb, tears and heartache in the depths of your soul, and it will sometimes feel like it’s impossible to carry on. But the world will continue, and end only in God’s good time.