Welcome the Stranger

          These days, if you were in a middle school current events class you would likely be learning about immigration reform.  The need for reform has been evident for at least a decade now, and after the recent election season it seems that both sides of the political aisle have the will to engage in significant action.  I am delighted, and members of my congregation, both Anglo and Latino, are hopeful.

          My own opinions on this matter are shaped by Jesus’ mandate to “welcome the stranger,” from the well-known parable in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25.  But the roots of Biblical hospitality can be found even in the Old Testament.  There is a rich witness of grace extended to the stranger among the people of Israel, even though they felt themselves uniquely chosen apart from other peoples.    For instance: 

And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God.” (Deuteronomy 1:16-17, NIV) 

These words seem pretty clear that Israel understood God as one who showed no partiality between the so-called “chosen people,” and the strangers who lived and worked among them.  Israel was constantly reminded that their sensitivity to the stranger came out a deep empathy because they once were a people who knew what it was like to be foreigners in a strange land.  Psalm 39:12 is an example: 

          Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help;

           do not be deaf to my weeping.

I dwell with you as a foreigner,

            a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 

          While the U.S. government has been slow to extend that same grace, at least churches, or the ones I am familiar with, have been more willing to provide a spiritual home and even sanctuary to those foreigners residing among us.  My own congregation includes a significant number of “resident aliens” who have been graciously received into our fellowship.  In this case the people of God have been leading the way in how to treat the strangers among us, praying that our civil authorities will eventually find a way to be hospitable as well.

          Admittedly, a nation has a right to establish rules for citizenship, and even Israel had certain restrictions, requiring the “sojourners” among them to comply with certain Jewish dietary or cleanliness laws, and limiting them to worship at the temple only at the outer court.  Nevertheless, the overwhelming body of instruction regarding the stranger in Israel is marked by gracious hospitality. 

          In the letter to the Hebrews we are reminded to show “hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”  So, while the U.S. for the time being may still be criminalizing the sojourners among us, the people of God are admonished to treat them as angels among us; indeed, to treat them as if each one may be Jesus, himself, “As you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”