Not many would deny that among their deepest desires is the longing for acceptance. Correspondingly, the experience of alienation, of being excluded, of not belonging is something we fear deeply. Recalling childhood experiences many would probably hear again the echoes of voices saying "You run very fast, come join our group", or "I don't friend you, you're not my gang." And in the life of grownups, the game of acceptance and alienation is played out over and over again. Why else do we join exclusive clubs or social groups or even Church organizations if not to feel a sense of belonging? After all membership has its privileges.

And yet, it is often the case that once we find ourselves a part of some group, we are loath to extend the same hospitality to newcomers. We thrust out our arms to alienate strangers or people who are different from us, in a version of "don't friend you." Recently, the Singapore newspapers carried a feature of how many social clubs refuse admittance to domestic help. "You're just a maid, don't friend you ¡K"

In this context, our readings portray a very consoling and challenging image of God, the God of open arms. God conserves and calls forth all things into existence. God holds nothing ¡K in abhorrence. God makes us worthy of His call. And the greatest act of hospitality of God is to be found in the person of Christ, who goes to stay in a sinner's house.