Who we are and who we also are

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Ralls's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

In Jean Thompson’s novel The Year We Left Home, Anita extends an impulsive invitation to a mere acquaintance, Rhonda. Their lives have turned out very differently. Anita enjoys a contented home life with her husband and children, while Rhonda has endured an abusive boyfriend for far too long. So Anita invites Rhonda to her home, and says she can stay as long as she likes.

Driving home, Anita contemplates the implications of her sudden act of hospitality. What will her husband think? How will her children react to a new member of their family? Anita reassures herself, however. “Rhonda,” she decides, “would be the one doing them the favor... There are times when a family needs an orphan.”