Gleaning from Fr. Ronald Rolheiser’s book, Sacred Fire, he tells us about the biblical challenge for us to welcome the stranger. God is in the “other,” and for us to accept and welcome the stranger presents the unfamiliar as God’s revelation.

When we first acquaint ourselves with Scripture, we give our hearts a rest in God’s word. Contemplative reading helps us to understand the struggles in human lives.

The late priest and prophet, Henri Nouwen, expressed:

Contemplative reading of the Holy Scriptures and silent time in the presence of God belong closely together. The word of God draws us into silence, silence makes us attentive to God’s word.