As a child my siblings and I loved to have guests come to our home. We were happy because we knew that a rooster would be prepared, and we would have the best food with special dishes and sweets. A guest coming to our home was like God coming. It was the time we were on our best behavior, especially if the guest was a priest or a nun.
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Saint Martha, who received the Lord as a guest at Bethany, served him graciously, and won her brother's resurrection by her prayers.
Saint Martha is depicted in Scripture as a woman who, despite being busy with many things, did learn the one thing that was necessary: She recognized Jesus as the Christ.
Martha is also known for her hospitality.
Abraham, and others, in Scripture are other lives of inspiration who show us the way a guest should be treated. The Mosaic law tells us to "treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself". Jesus tells us that showing hospitality to one of the least of these His brothers, is the same as showing it to Him.
Hospitality is also one of the Charisms of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
So what is Christian hospitality?
Christian hospitality is the sign of the Kingdom to come. It is an expression of welcome, of compassion, of understanding, and of love. It is more about occupation with the other and less about preoccupation with self.
Today, we are called to offer hospitality in God’s name graciously. Many families I have visited do just this. Their homes are, remaining true to Benedictine hospitality, "welcoming, orderly, and harmonious - a haven for every soul who enters".
When we visit, the entire family, including teenage children, come and sit with the guests and everyone engages in conversation.
At the dining table, the children also enter into conversation and use good manners, practicing Christian hospitality.
For us Christians, the ultimate form of hospitality culminates when Christ invites us to His Table in the Eucharist, where we welcome Him into our hearts and He transforms us, and sends us out to share hospitality with others.
Are we ready to accept the hospitality of Jesus, and go out into the world to share hospitality with others?
