It can be hard to balance public and private life, and sometimes things tip over the balance one way or the other, which can be difficult to calibrate. Quite a long time ago now, people would drop in unannounced for a cup of tea and a chat, now it seems inconceivable that you might do so without making a phone call first, but to people under the age of maybe 25, it seems inconceivable that you might phone someone without first sending a text message to see if they are available or even willing to speak to you. The silence of hospital wards now bears testament to how little we are used to communicating with strangers, and sharing unannounced conversations, and we lose something because of that, both from what we receive and what we give and what we do together. The Old Testament reading today is about that extra something Abraham and Sarah get from being hospitable hosts. There they are, living their own lives and minding their own business, when three men appear out of nowhere, the archetypal uninvited visitors arriving without warning. Abraham welcomes them warmly and Sarah produces a lavish meal. Abraham enjoys their company and learns from them something he would never have dreamt of, that when these strangers return in the spring, he and his wife would have a son. We all hope that we would be able to offer hospitality to strangers, but actually we struggle to do so.

These men were angels and in Old Testament stories angels indicate the presence and action of God. In fact so closely are these three men linked with God that the writer changes from speaking of three men to talking of the Lord. Abraham, in welcoming these strangers, unknowingly invited God into his home. You would think he had been reading the letter to the Hebrews, Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Putting it another, way, we encounter God in strangers and in each other.

Today’s gospel reading presents a similar situation where Martha welcomes a travelling preacher into her home and she busies herself playing the perfect host. Her sister, Mary, doesn’t seem to be any help at all but sits with the stranger, listening to his teaching. At this point it is likely that the two sisters are unaware that their guest is the Son of God so, like Abraham, they are entertaining angels unawares. Martha is annoyed that Mary is no help and points out that her sister is neglecting the duties of a host. But Jesus reminds her that being hospitable means not only providing refreshment for your guests but also includes conversing with them and listening to them. Otherwise the hospitality is the kind you get in hotels which has nothing worthwhile about it. Remember though that Martha and Mary are sisters, they are not fighting over Jesus; rather they complement each other. In themselves they are partial images of a faith waiting to be realised by the death and resurrection of the Lord; individually they seek to welcome but it is only together that they achieve it.

This encounter with Jesus is as much a life-changing event as Abraham’s encounter with the three angels. Both are encounters with God. One leads to the founding of a nation into which God’s Son will be born. The other is part of the founding of a Church by that same God, which will enable its members to have a direct relationship with his Son – we are heirs of Martha and Mary, they sat with the Lord before us, and fell out over how to do so before us!

In following Jesus we are asked to complete his work. As St. Paul tells us today: I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. It is our responsibility as members of the Church to continue and complete the work of Christ. When we are hospitable to people, giving them of our time, then that work is nearer to completion and the kingdom that much closer than before.

There is nothing left now of the Oaks of Mamre; the place all tarmac and housing. There is not much left of the Byzantine Church there, commemorating the meeting of Abraham with the Lord in the three men. Today, only the hot dust of Hebron’s streets and the smell of cooking falafels could lead our thoughts to the past scene at Abraham’s tent; when, in the ‘heat of the day’ he offered shelter, meat and drink to some strangers travelling through the desert.

Yet, there is a deeper connection we can make, beyond imagination. Providing rest and nourishment is still the mark of generosity because it is a response to the most fundamental needs of others. ‘Hospitality’ is such an overused word that its true meaning has been cheapened. In this act of charity we recognise our guests’ dependence on us and in turn our own reliance upon others. We are taught that we need each other.

It is only in this spirit of reliance and humility that we can go on to accept that most difficult of truths. No one is independent, except God. And the most basic dependence of humanity rests on him, and on us being together, forming communities, speaking to each other, helping each other at our own Oak of Mamre, our own house.