大象传媒

Good morning,

There鈥檚 an intriguing folklore story that tells of a magic stone.听 In a small village where people are going hungry a stranger comes to visit, bringing a magic stone and the promise it can make the best tasting soup.听 The people gather around a communal pot where the stone is boiled in water before the stranger asks for some additions to this magic soup 鈥� perhaps some herbs, spices, potatoes, vegetables, beans and so the list goes on.听

And one by one the villagers who had been harbouring their last reserves of food, keeping them to themselves, each 听听bring蝉听 听something to add to the pot.听 The result?听 The most satisfying, filling and nutritious meal the villagers had had in a long time.听 As they eat together and enjoy each other鈥檚 company, they realise the stranger is gone.

Beyond folklore, food has a wonderful way of gathering people.听 Hospitality oils the wheels of this great Festival city.听 There are very few occasions when people come together where food or drink are not offered.听 In company and conversation stories begin to be told, relationships begin to form, and things that otherwise make for difference can drift into the background as we see each other for who we are.听

Hospitality is at the heart of the Christian faith, with a welcome extending beyond rules and boundaries, based on the life of Christ.听 The ancient Celtic rune says, 鈥淥ften, often, goes Christ in the stranger鈥檚 guise.鈥�

Life is full of opportunities to taste and see and discover something new, about ourselves or one another, and no magic stones are needed!

God, in the everyday encounters with one another

Help us to know your presence,

Hear your wisdom,

And share your compassion.听 Amen.