Welcome

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."Matthew 10:40-42

 Today we completed the final leg of our journey home from Sitka, Alaska to Cape May Point, New Jersey. We were able to visit with each of our children and now we will sojourn awhile with my Mother. The trip was familiar, but the sights and sounds said welcome home. We have been in Alaska for nearly two years and it became home for us. Now on the other side of the continent, on another ocean, we rejoice as we fall asleep tonight to the wind and waves, the crickets and birds, and the smells of home.

Jesus talked to his disciples about making people welcome. Making room and  home for others is a highly prized gift in the eyes of God. When we help carve out a place for those who have been homeless and untethered, we make room for the love of God. When we honor others by welcoming them and feeding them we honor God.

Tonight as the sun sets on this ocean, I ask God to help us welcome others at all times. May we remember how it was to be homeless and dislocated, and honor those who are by making room for them. May we honor God by sharing the love we have been given.

The Collect

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.