Angels

August 1, 2005

I received a call from the undertakers; they had an unusual request: Could they use the church for a humanist funeral?

On reflection, it was unusual, really. As far as I know there is no meeting place for humanists in this town, and for a sensitive funeral service a community centre would be far from ideal.

The service was respectful and dignified. I was pleased that the church was a place of welcome and hospitality. Indeed, I would open the doors of my church to any group- religious or secular- as hospitality is at the heart of our faith.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

As Henry Nouwen has said, “Hospitality is our vocation: to convert hostis into hospes , the enemy into the guest, and to create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced.”

What do you think our world would look like if we opened our homes, our mosques and churches to one another? I think we would be surprised how alike we are, how little divides us and how foolish it was when animosity bred through ignorance kept humanity at odds with one other.

I guess we have a long way to go bringing people of different faiths and cultures together when we find it hard even to invite our neighbours round for a BBQ! If we did, who knows, we might even be entertaining angels!

Rev Fred Ireland