Christ the Stranger

This has been an important week for us at Gate Pa. On Tuesday we paused while we remembered all those who have fought and died for the British Empire and for this country. Some went voluntarily. Some did not. Many did not come home, and most who did were not the same as when they left. We paused to remember the huge cost to this land of our participation in conflicts since the Anglo-Boer War through to today.  We prayed for and longed for a world without war where God’s justice reigns supreme.

On Saturday we remembered another war – the New Zealand Land Wars. In particular we remembered all those who fought here at the Battle of Gate Pa. We paused to remember the huge cost to the people of this of these battles. We prayed for and longed for a world without war where God’s justice reigns supreme.

On Sunday we hear the story of two disciples on their way home to resume life in the grey hopelessness. On the way they meet a stranger who seems ignorant of their pain and the events that causes that pain. In hearing their story of pain retold in the whole story of scripture, in the offering of hospitality, and in the breaking of bread they recognise the resurrected one. Hope is reborn.

In what ways does Christ the stranger meet us in our own stories of pain and loss, and walk with us to hope?