One of the set readings for this Sunday, whose theme is hospitality, is the beautiful opening of Hebrews 13 which reads:
Let brotherly love continue.Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
This passage of course contains a deft allusion to the story of how Abraham and Sara entertained three strangers in the wilderness and in so doing opened their tent and their hearts to the Lord who then fulfilled his promise to bless them with a child. In my new book Parable and Paradox I have a poem about that moment in genesis which you can read and listen to here.
But the phrase in Hebrews ‘angels unawares’ was also the inspiration, and indeed the title of a song of mine which I have included on the new record Songs and Sonnets, which will very soon be available through iTunes etc and for order on the web.The song reflects on the many and various ways God sends his messages and his messengers to us. But as a reflection for tomorrow I thought I would post the lyrics here and also give you a chance to listen to one of the earlier mixes of the song, the final version of which is on the record. If you would like to use these lyrics or the song itself as part of a service please feel free to do so. I hope you enjoy it
Angels Unawares
Some people say that life is just a given thing
but you and I both know by whom its lent
and that its right here in the dirt
where we’ve both been loved and hurt
that Love Himself has come to pitch His tent
sometimes we’re in the fields of holy roses
other times we’re rolling in the tares
breaking bread and sharing wine
did I feel your hand touch mine
or did we both touch angels unawares?
Abraham’s down by the oaks of Mamre
and Joseph dreams beside an empty barn
theres a woman by the well with dreams no man can tell
though a broken man might keep her safe from harm
Theres someone else inside this fiery furnace
and Jacob’s gazing up those endless stairs
we are wounded on the road, but we share each others load,
and make each other angels unawares
Everybody backs into the future
everyone’s just feeling for it blind
sometimes we get lost and the threads of our lives get crossed
but I’m sure glad yours got tangled up with mine
the day is gone and I know I should be going
theres barely light enough to say our prayers
ah but give me leave the while for to turn and see you smile
and leave to love like angels unawares
and leave to love like angels unawares