Serving Jesus in Disguise

Serving Jesus in Disguise

Hebrews 13:1-2

You might misinterpret the title of this column and think I mean we ought to wear a disguise when we’re serving Jesus.  Let me share a couple of stories to demonstrate what I really want to say.

Today’s Scripture passage refers to Abraham’s story.  One day three visitors showed up at the encampment where Abraham’s tents were pitched.  Middle Eastern hospitality demands that guests be welcomed and served a meal.  This is especially true in the wilderness where nomadic shepherds like Abraham still live today.

Abraham was an excellent host.  He did not fail in his duty to be hospitable to the strangers.  He ordered water to be brought to wash their feet.  He told Sarah to bake three flour cakes.  He chose a calf from the herd and had his servants prepare it.  When all was ready he stood by respectfully while the visitors ate. 

Although Abraham did not know it at first, the three men were angels, sent from God with a message.  Sarah, much advanced in years and supposedly barren, would conceive a child.  She and Abraham would have a son.  And have a son she did!  About a year later she gave birth to Isaac, the second of the three patriarchs of the Jewish faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob).

Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews reminded his readers of this story when he said, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”  Abraham had no idea when he offered food and water that he was entertaining the Lord.  He was just doing what he felt was expected of him.

The other story occurs many centuries later, and involves not a patriarch of the Jewish faith, but a Christian saint.  His name was Francis, and he lived during the 13^th century.  He was born into a well-to-do family, and for many years enjoyed the good life.  Eventually he came to know Christ and dedicated his life to following Jesus’ teaching.

The story which illustrates our Scripture lesson began one day when Francis was riding his horse.  Francis had an intense fear of lepers, as did most people at that time.  Jesus had told him while he was praying that what he found offensive would in the future bring him great pleasure and joy.  He saw a leper approaching, ringing the little bell that all with his condition carried, warning healthy people to keep their distance. 

Francis wanted to turn and ride away, but something prevented him.  He dismounted, pressed a coin into the leper’s hand, and kissed the hand.  In return the leper gave him the kiss of peace.  The next day Francis took a large sum of money to a residence where many lepers lived.  He distributed the money freely, kissing each man as he did so.  What had formerly caused Francis to shudder now brought him sweetness and delight.

One (probably) apocryphal ending to this story says that, as Francis rode away from the first leper, he looked back and saw Jesus.  This part of the story doesn’t have to be true in order for us to see the point.  Whether or not the leper was Jesus in disguise, the man was one of the “least of these” we have been commanded to serve in Jesus’ name.  When we serve our brothers and sisters, and do so in the name of Christ, we are serving him.

This is the point of Matthew’s description of the Final Judgment in the 25^th chapter of his gospel.  Where the Judge places us will depend on how well we have served others in Jesus’ name.  St. Francis learned how sweet that service can be.  So must we.