WE often feel that we are the unexpected guests and we too would be surprised when given an unexpected gift.

In my almost 7 decades of life I have had my share of being the unexpected guest and receiving the unexpected gift. Some were really painful experiences but a few were exceptional joys.

I am not sure if we are all socially adept at all times, becoming the beaming guest who arrive properly attired (now theme colours are very trendy), with the right gifts. What happens to us when we arrive at a place which is having a special function? Unexpected? And we are not entitled to the food?

Imagine this. You have arrived at a big church which has a very closed congregation of brethrens and you are not the right “person” for their fellowship? You have accidentally come to the service with the wrong colour even with the wrong “class” of clothes? You might get a greeter at the door who asks,”Is this your first time here?” and his tone makes you totally uncomfortable? And you feel like getting into your car and just drive off?

And then all through the one hour of service you feel eyes on you. And many side way glances. Are you really “out of place”?

Jesus once felt like an uninvited guest. Ironically, He was invited. A Pharisee, Simon, invited Jesus to his home. Simon was curious about Jesus but he did not really have a full understanding of what Jesus was all about, since Jesus was like the new pop star. And he was not into the Jesus thingy yet, in our pop language.

Hence, he even failed to extend basic hospitality to the Galilean Rabbi (the normal Jewish protocol). He didn’t wash His feet, extend a kiss of welcome or anoint Jesus’ head with oil. He was careless in his attitude. But having missed the three basic steps really showed that he was not in the least hospitable to Jesus by the standard of that time.

Recently I was at a church to meet a friend. I wasn’t going to fault any one as I was warmly welcomed and invited to sit down in a nice cool place. The church was really full because it was Parents’ Sunday.

The sermon was good and well prepared by the young pastor. The church was vibrantly young and energetic.

Then the gift presentation came. Since I was not a member, I did not expect any gift. It was not just a button hole, or a rose all gift wrapped. The committee efficiently distributed the Senior Gifts (all above 65 years of age) and from behind me someone gave me a plastic bag of goodies.

I declined accepting it saying I was not a member. It might not be in their budget. I also felt bad because I did not come just for the gift. She said, “Don’t worry. One extra doesn’t matter.” (Meh char nii suoh jia in Foochow.)

For the whole of that day I was thinking Jesus would have said the same thing. “You are most welcome. One extra participant does not matter.”

Chang Yi, Grace Agape Methodist Preaching Centre, Miri