Our readings place the importance of hospitality front and center.
Therefore, we are told that “looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby.” Abraham greeted these three men with a true sense of hospitality. He welcomed them and even gave them a little food.
It is unknown who these three men were. They could of been the three person of the Holy Trinity, they could of been three angels, they could of been God and two angels, or they simply could of been three men whose names go unknown.
Despite Abraham and us not knowing who they are we do know that they had knowledge. They already knew the name of Sarah and they shared the great news that despite her old age Sarah would soon bear a child. This supernatural knowledge attests to their heavenly origin. When Abraham comes to welcome these three strangers he is welcoming God into His midst. As we are told in the Book of Hebrews, “Do not neglect hospitality for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”
In our Gospel we are shown this same sense of hospitality when Jesus is welcomed in by Martha and Mary. Martha prepared her home in order that Christ may come in and dwell with her. As she toiled about doing her work she gave into her anxiety and lost sight of the one who was now in her midst. Mary was found at the feet of the Lord listening to Him speak. As the Lord came to exclaim of her, “Mary has chosen the better part.”
As parish community we must also be concerned with hospitality. As we are told from the Rule of Saint Benedict, “Let all guests be welcomed as Christ.” Hospitality should not be limited to those who are new, but should also be offered to those who are here day after day. What can we do in order to become more hospitable?
It is always nice to see someone at the door greeting those who enter into the Church. It is nice to see those who have stepped up to offer coffee and donuts following our morning Masses. It is good to be welcoming and not possessive of a certain seat going as far as to instruct another to move out of your seat. Hospitality follows the words of Saint Matthew, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Day by day we encounter so many strangers. Abraham encountered three strangers and he welcomed them. Martha and Mary encountered the Lord and they welcomed Him. Each and every time that we encounter another we have the opportunity to practice hospitality. Hospitality in this church, hospitality at home, and hospitality when we are out and about. Hospitality is important because it welcomes the stranger into our midst.
From the Eucharist we behold Christ the Lord. With glad and generous hearts let us come to encounter Him and welcome Him into our midst. This encounter with Christ prepares us to be hospitable with allow whom we encounter. May we be vessels of hospitality.
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