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REFLECTION

The risk of getting to know strangers, is the theme for our reflection. A risk is a situation involving exposure to danger. In as much as we are supposed to show love and hospitality to strangers, there is also a risk in getting to know strangers. It is believed that Psalm 94 was written in response to the siege and oppression of Isreal by the Babylonian empire. The Psalmist prays to God to save His people from the oppression and wickedness of strangers (Babylon) “O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” (Psalm 94:1-7).

Dear friend in the Lord, it is disheartening when strangers try to take advantage of us. To love and care for others especially strangers is a risk because they may have sinister or evil intention for approaching you. Some people have been robbed and killed by the very strangers they tried to assist. The question is, should we stop showing love and care to strangers because of the risk in getting to know them? The answer is no, we need to be discerning and continue to ask for God’s protection as the Psalmist passionately did in Psalm 94. May the Lord protect us from the hands of wicked strangers who may approach us with evil intention. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, continue to protect us even as we represent Christ in the world by unconditionally loving all who may come our way. Let your Angels protect us from evil and unsuspecting strangers who may want to take advantage of our love and hospitality. Amen.