Give Me This Stranger

In this sermon, the Rev. Canon Anna E. Rossi explores the theme of the stranger in scripture, Christian tradition, and contemporary life. From Israel's exile to Jeremiah's lament, from the Annunciation to Mary to Joseph of Arimathea's plea for Jesus' body, God appears as both stranger and guest. Jesus challenges us to take the lower place and to invite those we do not know to the banquet. In a time when immigrants and neighbors are imperiled, the call is clear: to recognize Christ in the stranger, and to welcome all to the table of shared humanity. Proper 17C • Jeremiah 2:4-13 • Psalm 81:1,10-16 • Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16 • Luke 14:1,7-14