Helping Strangers.

Abraham was sitting under a tree in the heat of the day. Three men walked by and Abraham got up and asked them to come aside, have a drink and eat some food before they continued with their journey. Genesis 18

At first, Abraham did not know these three men were God and two angels. He merely wanted to help them and show hospitality. I have read that this custom is still practiced in the Middle East.

We don't do this often in western society. We barely speak to strangers, never mind asking them to eat with us. It is too bad we have become such an isolated people. Most of us don't even know our next-door neighbors.

My Spanish professor used to tell us what it was like growing up in Mexico. Every city has a town square where important events are celebrated - like a wedding. Every weekend people gather to sing and dance. People know each other.

I wish it was this way in our towns and cities. Once you know people, you find out what problems they have and can perhaps help them. If you are having a bad time or a good time, you can share this with your neighbors.

We help strangers by giving to charities, and that is a good thing. But when I think of Abraham giving lunch to God because he was just walking by, I feel like we are all missing something important.