Abraham and Sarah opened their tent as a home for three strangers, who turned out to be messengers for God. By creating a home for all, their act of radical hospitality became a source of great blessings. The couple had built a huge house with entrances on all the four sides. No matter from what direction the wayfarer came, a large sign with WELCOME on it greeted them. Abraham was always busy with his many visitors. Sarah was as kind and generous; she would take care of the women visitors. At night, when everybody else was fast asleep, there was still a candle burning in Sarah's tent. She was making dresses and things for the poor and needy.
The theme emphasises and questions how we can be more welcoming, to open ourselves to be there for the most vulnerable, so we can be neighbour to all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the global community with unavoidable immediacy, it has dramatically altered everyone’s daily life, and powerfully exposed the vulnerability that all humans share.
While restrictions have prevented us opening our houses as Abraham did, it has provided opportunities for us to reinvent what being welcoming entails.
This year we are called to focus on hospitality towards others. How can we embrace and welcome the differences of someone whom we may or may not have met before? How can we transform relationships into a community? As humans we are interconnected, and it is in these shared moments that we find hope. Abraham did what he was supposed to do and showed compassion toward three strangers. This example of care for humanity is what it takes to go from being strangers to neighbours and friends.
By being together at one table with our stories, our questions, and more importantly, our open hearts and minds, we can form a community that lifts, honours, and learns from our differences.
Join us this Saturday September 25 at 2pm to listen to this year’s Season of Creation theme explored by Father Anthony Coloma (Assistant Priest, The Catholic Parishes of Branxton, Greta and Singleton) Louise Campbell (Aboriginal Educational Officer) John Sandy (Multicultural family support worker) and Mary-Anne DeLuca (Mission and Outreach officer). Thank you to all that entered the Season of Creation film competition, the finalists work will be shown, and the winner announced after the presentations.
To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/season-of-creation-tickets-167271083313