Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Catholic
Lessons From Lot: Welcoming Strangers And Upholding Justice

Lessons From Lot: Welcoming Strangers And Upholding Justice

Last updated on: July 30, 2026 at 1:13 am by Henry Karlson

0 Comments

Lessons From Lot: Welcoming Strangers And Upholding Justice 2026-07-30T01:13:56-05:00 Henry Karlson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Unknown artist: The angel leads Lot, his wife, and his daughters out of Sodom, and Abraham intercedes with the Lord for the righteous of this city, from the Olomouc Bible, Part I, folio 148v (Bible olomoucká, I. díl, I. 1417, s. 148v) / Wikimedia Commons

Lot, we are told, was saved because of the way he looked after and respected the dignity of others, that is, the way he took care of strangers. Sodom and Gomorrah were haughty cities, selfish and self-seeking, thinking out of pride that they were so great, they were free from any moral obligation, especially those obligations which told them they should take care of and help those they viewed as their inferiors. All this did was set up the conditions which would lead to their own destruction. “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, surfeit of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty, and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them, when I saw it” (Ezek. 16:49-50 RSV). It was their pride, their greed, their lack of concern for the other, that made them think they could do anything they want, satisfying every lustful desire, up to the point of sexually assaulting others. Lot, living with them, might not have been entirely free from their influence, but it is clear, the way he lived, the way he acted, showed that he still followed after much of what he had learned from his uncle, Abraham; he cared about others, which is why he would do what he could to welcome (and protect) strangers when they came to Sodom:

The two angels came to Sodom in the evening; and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and bowed himself with his face to the earth, and said, “My lords, turn aside, I pray you, to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the street.” But he urged them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate (Gen. 19:1-3 RSV).

Many commenting upon this passage have said that Lot would often go to the gates of the city to welcome strangers, that anyone who would come to the city in need. He knew they would be mistreated and abused by anyone else, so he wanted to be their point of contact, giving them the welcome and help they need instead of having them treated with contempt (or worse), if anyone else would meet them: “Call to mind Lot and you will discover that it was not the strangers who sought for him, but he who looked for strangers and this was pursuing hospitality.” [1] Abraham was famous for his hospitality, and so Lot, it would seem, learned from his uncle, though of course, we know Lot would get himself into trouble because he went his own way, sometimes diverting from what Abraham did, which is why he was able to live in Sodom. It was his hospitality, his spirit of charity, more than anything else, which led him his salvation. Because he was so focused on helping anyone who would come to the gates of the city, he encountered angels (at first, unaware they were angels). The rest of the city, upon seeing the strangers, wanted to dominate and control them, as represented by the way they wanted to rape the strangers, exemplifying why the cries of heaven led not only to the examination and revelation of their sin, but why the way they lived led to their destruction:

Notice, brethren, that even Lot deserved to receive the angels, because he did not reject strangers. Behold angels enter a hospitable home, but houses that are closed to strangers are burned with flames of sulphur.[2]

Throughout Scripture, starting with the stories found in Genesis, we learn of the relationship between salvation and charity; those who were saved were saved in and through their fidelity to God, a fidelity manifested by their works of love and respect to others. The more we read Scripture, the more we see this is especially true in regards how people treated strangers, that is, foreigners, migrants, refugees, or immigrants. We are told we should be like Abraham, Lot, and others who lived with such great hospitality to others. Indeed, we are told how we treat them is how we treat Christ. If we do not want to experience the full force of the sin associated with Sodom, we would be like Lot, doing what we can to welcome those who come to us. If we want to risk suffering their fate, we would be like the people of Sodom, seeking to assault foreigners, one way or another, to demonstrate our power over them. And, in case some think our concern should only be for fellow Christians, and not anyone else, Theodoret of Cyrus in his commentary on Romans said: “Expending hospitality to strangers. He calls strangers not only the saints but also those arriving from any quarter whatsoever in need of attention, from whom he bids them take care.” [3] The importance of this was not lost to those who formed monastic communities, which is why, despite the way they wanted to live and thrive as hermits away from society, we hear they imitated Abraham and Lot by embracing hospitality to strangers when anyone came to visit them:

The kindly duty of welcoming strangers is attractive to some. This is how, also in times past, the patriarch Abraham and Lot pleased the Lord, and lately there was the blessed Macarius, a man of extraordinary gentleness and patience. He presided over a hostel in Alexandria in such a way that he should not be considered inferior to any of those who pursed the remoteness of the desert. Some choose the care of the sick, others carry out the intercession that is owed to the downtrodden and the oppressed, some are intent upon teaching, and others give alms to the poor, and among great and noble men they have flourished by reason of their love and their goodness.[4]

Charity is important, but charity cannot exist outside of justice. Without justice, without trying to promote the common good, we cannot be charitable, for how we can say we love someone if we do not care if they are treated justly? That is why, we have been warned, if we unjustly take from others, becoming rich as a result, we cannot and will not be considered charitable if we give a little of what we took to someone else in need, because we have first denied justice to others:

Now one who seizes the goods of another says to me: I am not like the rich man. I give a feast for the poor, I send food to those who are locked in prison, I clothe the naked, and I receive strangers. Do you think you are giving? Do not take away, and you have given. The one to whom you have given rejoices, but the one from whom you have taken laments. Which of those two is God going to hear? You say to the one to whom you gave: Give thanks, because you have received. But on the other hand another says to you: I groan, for you took away from me. Ou took away almost everything, and you gave very little to the other man. Even if you had given to the poor all that you took from the other, God does not love such deeds.[5]

Thus, hospitality, charity is important, and with it, we must treat with special honor and respect foreigners who walk among us. This is not to say the rich cannot, by the state, be told they must pay their fair share to society, a share which is based upon the wealth they have; indeed, justice, once again, can demand it, and when it does, it is not theft (as some try to claim) because the goods of the earth are meant to be shared with all, not just a limited few. Property rights exist, but they are relative rights, not absolutes. If someone unjustly gains possession of a multitude of goods, and if they use what they have to unjustly exploit others (or the earth itself), they do not rightfully possesses that which they claim is theirs. It is important, in such a situation, for the state to force them to make amends, and if they won’t, to take from them what is needed to help those who have been unjustly treated.

If we fear our society is becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah, let us take up the example of Lot, going to meet those in need, helping them, especially if and when our society wishes them harm. Let us be concerned about the fate of our society when we see many in it, especially its leaders, like to abuse others, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and “strangers” in need, for their actions demonstrate they have been taken in and follow the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah, the spirit which led to their destruction.

[1] Origen, Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans: Books 6-10. Trans. Thomas P. Scheck (Washington, DC: CUA Press, 2002), 214-5.

[2] St. Caesarius of Arles, Semons. Volume II (81-186). Trans. Sister Mary Magdeleine Mueller, OSF (Washington, DC: CUA Press, 1963), 12 [Sermon 83].

[3] Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul. Volume One. Trans. Robert Charles Hill (Brookline, MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2001), 120-21 [Romans].

[4] John Cassian, The Conferences. Trans. Boniface Ramsey, OP (New York: Newman Press, 1997), 507 [Fourteenth Conference; Nesteros].

[5] St. Caesarius of Arles, Semons. Volume II (81-186), 476-7[Sermon 183*; A homily of St. Augustine on the Peril of a Priest; Also on that Rich Man whose land brought forth abundant fruit, and on that other one who was clothed in purple and fine linen].

Stay in touch! Like A Little Bit of Nothing on Facebook.
If you liked what you read, please consider sharing it with your friends and family!

N.B.: While I read comments to moderate them, I rarely respond to them. If I don’t respond to your comment directly, don’t assume I am unthankful for it. I appreciate it. But I want readers to feel free to ask questions, and hopefully, dialogue with each other. I have shared what I wanted to say, though some responses will get a brief reply by me, or, if I find it interesting and something I can engage fully, as the foundation for another post. I have had many posts inspired or improved upon thanks to my readers.

General Christian

Previous Post

July 28, 2026

Being Peacemakers, Living As Children of God

Next Post

August 2, 2026 Living As Fools For Christ In A Foolish Society

Recent Comments

0 | Leave a Comment

"First things first is the easiest way forward. "If someone is bleeding profusely, we must ..."

Dr.Cajetan Coelho

Why We Must Embrace Empathy, Sympathy ..."

"Gosh, did that hit the spot. I have been having great anxiety lately. And I ..."

Mark Wilson

Rejecting Doom: Christian Hope And Human ..."

"Justice and peace are two sides of the same coin. Where there is justice, there ..."

Dr.Cajetan Coelho

Justice First, Charity Beyond It: Serving ..."

"Thank you for your very, very powerful and very, very insightful analysis of the relationship ..."

alwayspuzzled

Justice First, Charity Beyond It: Serving ..."

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Abortion Abraham abuse Aesthetics AI Aliens Ambrose Ancestors and Everything Andrew Angels Animals Anne Anthony Antisemitism apologetics Apophatic Apostle John Aquinas Artificial Intelligence Asanga Ascension Asceticism Assumption Atheism Attachment Augustine Authority Avarice Balthasar Baptism Beauty Biden birthright citizenship Bishops Black History Books Buddhism Bulgakov Byzantine Calendar C.S. Lewis Calcidius Catholic Catholicism Catholicism Celibacy Charity Chastity children Chrismation Christ Christmas Christology Church Climate Change Common Good Communion Confession Confirmation Conscience Constantine conventions conversion councils Covid Creation Cross Dead Death Death Penalty Debate Deception Demagogues Demons Desert Monks Desert Mothers Desire destruction development Dialogue Dignity Dionsyius Dionysius Discipline Diversity Division Doctor Who doctrine dogma Dormition Dualism Easter Easter Series Ecumenical Councils Ecumenism Education Election Empathy Environment Error Eschatology eschaton Eternity Ethics Eucharist Evangelism Eve Evil evolution Faeries Faith Fear femininity Ficino Florence Florensky Folktale Fools Forgiveness Freedom Future gender Gentile Gentiles Glory Gnostic God gods Good Samaritan Goodness Gospel Government Grace Great Fast Guns Halloween Hate healing Health Heaven Hell Hellenism Heresy Hierarchy Hildegard Hinduism History Holiness Holy Spirit Holy Week Hope Horror Human rights humanity Humility hypocrisy ICE icon icons Identification Identity Idol II Nicea Immigration incarnation Individualism Informal Reflections Inklings Intention Inter-Religious Interfaith Internet Interpretation Intrinsic evil Irenaeus Islam Israel Jacob Jerome Jesus Jews John Chrysostom John of Damascus John the Baptist Joseph Judaism justice Justification kenosis Kindnesss Kingdom of God Kingdom of Heaven Law Law of Moses Lazarus Leaf by Niggle Lent Lenten Reflection Liberation Theology Lies Life Listen Literature Liturgy locutions Logic Logos Love Marriage Martyrs Mary Mass Maximos The Confessor Meanness Meditation Mercy Middle Path Migrants Mind Miracles Miriam Morals Moses Movies Music Muslims Myths Names Nationalism Native Americans New Year Nicea Nicholas Nothing Novatian Obedience Occam's Razor Ordination Origen Original Sin Orthodox orthopraxis Pagans Palamas Palm Sunday Paradise Paschaltide Paul Peace Pentecost person Peter piety PKD Plato pluralism Plurality Poem Poetry Poiltics Politics Poor Pope Pope Francis Pope Leo XIV Post Office Prayer Pride Pro-life Prodigal Son propaganda Prophecy Prophets Providence Putin Racism Reading Reason Reflection Refugees Relationships Religion Religion Series Religious Liberty Repent Republicans Rest Resurrection Rich Rites Russia Sacraments Saints Salvation Salvian Santa Science Scripture Self-Giving Sexuality Sibyl Sick Silence Sin Singlehood Social Justice Society Sodom Solovyov Speculations Spiritual Reflection St. Cyril of Alexandria St. Justin Martyr Suffering Sunday of the Paralytic Man Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Superhero Supreme Court Teaching Technology Thanksgiving The Father the Universe Theological Reflection Theology Theosis Theotokos Thomas Timaeus Time Tolerenace Tolkien Tradition Transfiguration Trinity Trump Truth Uncategorized Unity Universities USCCB Vainglory Value Vatican II Vegetarian Vices Violence Virtue Vocations War Water Welcome Wisdom Womanhood Women Work World View Worship Writing Zacchaeus

Select a Month November 2026 October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz