Love Others: Hospitality

God of welcome, You invite me into your family. I sit at Your table and savour Your word to me. Help me receive all the nourishment You have for me today.

Pause and pray

Today I am reflecting on a miraculous and meaningful moment of hospitality and inclusion in the ministry of Jesus.

The story in Mark 8 is strange for two reasons. First, it seems like an anti-climax as just two chapters before, Mark describes Jesus feeding 5,000 people. Why include this slightly less impressive repetition? Second, the disciples, who witnessed the original miracle, seem to have oddly short memories and no expectation that it could be repeated. Why?

When Jesus fed the 5,000, he was in a Jewish region. But Mark hints that today’s supernatural meal happened near a place called The Decapolis - a largely Gentile area. The disciples did not expect the blessing and compassion of God to include these people. But Jesus had other ideas.

Who were the last five people I practiced hospitality with? How like me were they in age, gender, class, race, income or interests?

Holy Spirit, lead me beyond my familiar friendships to others who would stretch my compassion and welcome.

Pause and pray

Is there anyone I am not welcoming or practicing hospitality with in my community? Who would it never occur to me to make time for?

Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the compassion of Jesus. Give me the name of one person I can reach out to in some way this week.

Pause and pray

Theologian Tom Wright notes that Jesus involves His disciples in feeding the crowds. He writes, ‘The closer [I am] to Jesus, the more likely it is that He will call [me] to share in His work of compassion…’ * Loving God inevitably leads me to greater love for others.

Jesus, I often approach hospitality as an activity in my home, not an attitude of my heart. I’m sorry. I surrender my time and attention to You again. Teach me to live compassionately.

Amen.

*Tom Wright, Mark for Everyone, p102