One day, when we were walking the Camino in Portugal and Spain, we failed to see one of the directional signs to indicate the route through an industrial part of Porto. We wandered for a bit until we got hungry and found a small mom and pop restaurant. We did not speak Portuguese, so the owner brought out his IPAD and translated parts of the menu for us to choose am entree.
What a humble moment it was to be included at the table! It gave us energy to continue on until we found the directional sign to get out into the meadows surrounding Porto.
Today, most of us will gather around a feast at a table. Who will we welcome to the table? Who will welcome us? A child wrapped up in bands of cloth and lying in a manger was an incredible and meaningful sign to those seeking God manifested in Jesus Christ, to those needing a sign of welcome, to those needing grace and love and sustenance for the journey.
God of inclusion, this day may our hearts centre on the gift of Jesus, who brings the good news to all people, that we are seen, heard, fed and loved. Amen. —