It is intriguing that in Matthew 25: 35, Jesus compares
himself to a stranger: “For I was a stranger, and you welcomed me….”
Jesus certainly acted strangely, according to our human
standards: Eating with prostitutes and tax collectors instead of the wealthy,
who could fund his new church? Driving the money changers out of the temple
instead of cutting a deal with them for a portion of their proceeds? Washing
the feet of his disciples instead of reclining at table until he was served? And
yet, when we embrace Jesus’ strange customs, we find that they bring us fresh
perspectives and new life.
People cease to be strangers when we spend time with them
and get to know them. Just so, when we spend time with Jesus, we learn his way
of being and begin to recognize him in those who forgive, who serve, who see that
the seed of God is in everyone. Eventually, it dawns on us that it is not Jesus’
ways but the ways of the world that are strange. Furthermore, the old aphorism
is true: We will be known by the company we keep. I’d like to be known for
keeping company with Jesus, who is no longer stranger but friend.
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