Joy of Hospitality

The readings that we have for this Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time show the joy of giving and receiving. From Genesis 18:1-10, the Lord appeared to Abraham. As Abraham sat by the entrance of his tent he saw three men. He ran to them and greeted them. Then he offered them the gifts of hospitality: bringing water to bathe their feet, offering them rest, and bringing them food. The surprise came at the end of the reading when one of the men told Abraham that he would return about this time next year and Sarah, Abraham's wife, would have a son. In Luke's Gospel, 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy with the aspects of hospitality while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus listening to his words. Being anxious and worried, Martha tells our Lord what to do, "Tell my sister to help me." Jesus offers Martha this thoughtful reminder, "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." We can see how these individuals gave but also received, the gift of a son and a lesson from our Lord on what is really important. That is the joy of hospitality! It is a two way street, we give and we receive. May we always be open to the ways that God works in our lives, the lives of others, and the way we show our hospitality! Have a blessed weekend!!!