No, I have not been away; my computer has.
This is an icon of the three strangers to whom Abraham showed such wonderful and impossible (so quickly bread baked? steer killed and prepared?) hospitality in last Sunday's first reading, Genesis 18:1-10. Even though the story speaks of three men, the Lord is the stranger whom Abraham encounters and cares for so extravagantly.
In next Sunday's first reading, Genesis 18:20-32, we find Abraham on apparently close terms with the Lord. The verses immediately before show God considering what to do about the evil that he hears is happening in Sodom. Abraham tries to intervene on behalf of Sodom.
He asks God if he would spare the city if he could find fifty just men. God says he will. Then Abraham keeps lowering the figure until he has talked God into sparing the city even if can find only ten just men. I find his haggling with God amusing and encouraging. Our graciously loving God is always on the lookout for even the slightest hint of response from us. God even helps us to say yes to his reaching out to us in love.
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