Speaking the language

Susan and I are staying in a part of Paris not known for tourism. As a result we are having to make the best of our limited French. Sue minored in French in college and can still read--a little. I look for words that have a root I might understand. And I've gotten very good at pointing. The people we have encountered have been more than gracious. For example, I stopped by a poissonnerie stand to buy a piece of salmon yesterday. Luckily there was a piece just the size I wanted so I pointed to it. The fish monger smiled and picked up the fish with a sheet of counter paper. Then he asked me a question. I didn't have a clue what he was asking. He spoke no English. He disappeared behind the counter speaking loudly. I first thought he was probably cursing the dumb American. But then I realized he wanted me to come behind the counter. There he took a knife and laid it against the skin side of the salmon. He was asking if I wanted him to take the skin off. "Oui monsieur."
Not understanding can be more troublesome in a world where you have need but can't understand how to have that need met.
We extended our stay in Paris by a couple of days because of a national strike on Thursday. We didn't know about the strike when we went to the train station to get tickets. The only thing we could learn was that no tickets were being sold for the following day. That was the day we were suppose to travel to Taize. Being unclear about our ability to get to Taize, we made arrangements to stay where we were for two more days. We walked around mystified for half a day until someone told us about the strike. Then it made sense.
In a country where you don't speak the language you begin to look for people you think may know English. I've discovered people who are of Indian descent and young people are more likely to speak some English.
So, let's think a moment about people in the world who don't understand the message of Christ or have an understanding that leaves them full of guilt,shame or anger. How can we let them know there is a place at the table for them? Seems the fish monger had the best solution. When he saw I didn't understand he showed me what he meant. Those who follow Christ can't expect people to just come in and find their place when they don't understand who Christ is or what the church is about. Neither can those who see God as vengeful, wrath-filled God find comfort or nurture at the table. But if those who have come to recognize Jesus as a friend who shows us God's great love can show others, we'll have to enlarge the table to make room for the many who will come to feast on the good news of love and hope and peace.