ISIS scares Republican governors silly

Once you notice how central hospitality is in Scripture, you see it everywhere. Today’s Gospel reading at Mass is about Jesus visiting Jericho, and meeting Zacchaeus. Jesus asks Zacchaeus to be his host for a meal; Zacchaeus accepts, with delight, and is transformed.

Who was host? Who took the initiative? That’s worth some thought. But in brief, Zacchaeus met God in the breaking of bread – recall the stories of the first feast and the Last Supper, Abraham at Mamre, Elijah at Zarephath, Moses in the olive groves, the disciples at Emmaus, Jesus in Jerusalem, and dozens more.

Jesus said, be my host. Zacchaeus agreed, and was filled with joy.

Jesus says now, to the USA, be my host. Obama says, maybe slowly maybe next year maybe sort of YES. Republican governors say, NO. And we are filled with fear.

The Pope says over and over to America, welcome immigrants and refugees. Ted Cruz says over and over to America, keep them out. I set before you joy and fear, life and death. Choose life, that you and children may live.

Come, Lord!