Philonexia - the Love of Strangers

In his meditation this morning, Brother Curtis Almquist from SSJE says,

"Philonexia becomes the New Testament norm for hospitality. We must welcome the stranger so that the stranger is no longer strange to us."

Philonexia is a Greek word, a feminine noun meaning love of the stranger.

This brings to mind the beautiful line from Hebrews...

Hebrew 13. 1 - 2

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

One of the friendliest people I know suffers mightily with ALS. Very shortly after her diagnosis she made it clear that she wanted this part of her journey to glorify God. And she has certainly done that. A few days ago she told me about this experience she had:

"Before I went to sleep I asked that my Spirit pray for nothing, just praise, honor, worship & glory. I woke up in the middle of the night with joy that is unexplainable. I felt as if I was going to explode. I was just filled with nothing but joy. It lasted a few minutes and then I fell back asleep."

I believe that her philonexia is what enabled her to recognize this feeling as a Divine visitation and to claim it as inexplicable Joy!

"...for some have entertained angels unawares." KJV

(I love you, TJH!)