Open Doors. Open Hearts.Sample

Acceptance.

Christian hospitality goes beyond simple gestures of kindness; it represents fundamental acceptance of others, regardless of their history, beliefs, or circumstances. Acceptance does not depend on how much or how little we know about the person before us.

One of the most well-known instructions to show hospitality is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews: ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2). This instruction is not unfounded.

In Genesis 18, we read of Abraham’s humble and generous display of hospitality to three strangers. Wealthy and aged, Abraham could have easily called on one of his many servants to tend to the three unannounced visitors. Yet Abraham generously gave them the best he had. There is so much we don’t know about these guests. Abraham and Sarah didn’t know who they were, either. But their response was a response of fundamental acceptance. And, as it turned out, they had welcomed the Lord and two angels.

When welcoming strangers—those we don’t know—we may unintentionally invite heavenly presence into our midst. How incredible!

In Luke 10, we find the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable depicts a Samaritan's humanitarian response towards a wounded stranger, a response which surpasses ethnic and religious boundaries.

The Samaritan didn't stop to decide if this wounded stranger was his neighbour before he showed love; he didn't consider his nationality, ethnicity, status, or cleanness. He was the neighbour and that's what counted.

True hospitality has no bounds and involves a willingness to accept even those who appear to be outsiders. There are no outsiders to the love of God. And there is no qualification needed to receive or to offer hospitality.

For reflection:

Do you cultivate a spirit of hospitality that mirrors the unconditional acceptance demonstrated by Christ?

A prayer for today:

May the Lord grant us the grace to extend hospitality rooted in genuine acceptance, following the example of Christ, who welcomed all with love and compassion.

AMEN