Connecting with those who are strangers, outsiders, and different from ourselves is really hard to do because humans are naturally tribal and suspicious of outsiders. But this is where Holy Spirit comes in and is helping us to evolve past our earliest ancestors. The church has often not been very evolved and transformed itself and yet we are trying to claim the teachings and example of Jesus now even as we have a very spotty history of loving those not like us.
Scriptures
…I was a stranger and you welcomed me…”
Matthew 25:35, NRSV
Who are the strangers in San Antonio?
We can think big about who might be the “strangers” we are called to love.
- People from other parts of our city, state, country: ‘you aren’t from around here are you?
- People from other countries and other religious: Hindus, Sikes, Muslims, Jews, etc.
- People of other races
- The LGBTQIA+ communities
- People from other political persuasions
- People from a different economic background or situation
- Christians from other denominations
- Unhoused people.
- People from different generations.
- People who have been convicted of crimes and been imprisoned
- People with all sorts of addictions: sexual, drug, alcohol, eating, gambling, etc.
Perhaps we can begin with simple relationships with ‘others’, then move towards mutual understanding, respect, and service to and with them?
St. Andrew’s has a history of engaging the Muslim Community through the Turkish Rain Drop Center and more generally with the Interfaith Coalition.
We have also reached out to the LGBTQ community by our presence and booth at the Pride Parade.
We also are active with the Diocesan Immigration Ministries.
The other three loves:
