Image by m.gifford via FlickrWelcoming Christ was the theme of my post on Sunday (see below) and the word hospitality continues to linger in my heart.
In the comment section of Saturday’s post, Colleen reminded me that hospitality was a strength within the Benedictine order. In fact, hospitality is one of the key components of the Benedictine life-style. In his Rule, Saint Benedict says “Let all guests that come to the monastery be received as Christ.”
We try to model our lives after Christ. Jesus paid attention to others. He really “saw” them. We see this happen over and over again in the Gospels.
I know I get so blinded by misleading emotions, misunderstandings, and my own mistakes. I judge instead of tenderly trying to see from the other person’s perspective. I fail to really see others as Christ sees them.
Then I miss Him. I don’t see Christ.
Hospitality can be providing a meal, a warm welcome, or a place to rest, but I think it can mean so much more in our daily interactions with others. To really see another as Christ – just
imagine how the world would be different if we all put this into practice.
Joan Chittister
wrote, “When I let strange people and strange ideas into my heart, I am beginning to shape a new world. Hospitality of the heart could change American domestic policies. Hospitality of the heart could change American foreign policy… make my world a world of potential friends rather than a world of probable enemies.”
wrote, “When I let strange people and strange ideas into my heart, I am beginning to shape a new world. Hospitality of the heart could change American domestic policies. Hospitality of the heart could change American foreign policy… make my world a world of potential friends rather than a world of probable enemies.” I have ignored hospitality as a spiritual discipline, excusing myself that it is not one of my gifts. I think I need to be practicing hospitality every day, not just occasionally. To really look for His presence in every person I meet – not just the ones I like or what to know. To be aware of those who enter our world and to treat them as if they were Christ. To honor, listen and care for all who cross my path.
Robert Benson
in his book, A Good Life: Benedict’s Guide to Everyday Joy, tells this story:
in his book, A Good Life: Benedict’s Guide to Everyday Joy, tells this story:“My father used to say that when we get to heaven and see Jesus, our first thought is not going to be that we have never seen him before, Instead we will grin and say, “it’s you, it’s you. I have seen you everywhere.”
Dear Lord, open my eyes and heart to see you everywhere.
What does the word hospitality stir within your heart?
This is a beautiful post. I appreciate your hospitality in sharing your innermost feelings and thoughts concerning our walk with The Great I Am. We all need to find ways to be more open to others, examining ourselves and striving to be more like our Father, every single day. Many blessings!
wow each of your comments so enrich my spiritual journey and exploration of hospitality. Thank you so much for sharing.
While we all tend to offer hospitality to those we know and love, we could certainly be more hospitable to those who might not fall into that category. Thank you for giving me something to think and pray on tonight Jean.
Have a Blessed Day!
“To be aware of those who enter our world and to treat them as if they were Christ.”…Beautiful reminder, Jean…to do this always. Thank you!
All for GOD,
Connie
I have a blissfully domestic article that I have to write about hospitality and what it might look like for an introvert. I was thinking what you are writing about here — so excited to feel confirmed that I am on the right track!
I have always said those who live in the South know all to well what hospitality is they call it Southern Hospitality. We could learn something from that..They know how to make a stranger feel very welcome.
Jean – this is beautiful. You have such interesting references here. I have heard hospitality also described as making room in your life for others: emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically. When we overcrowd our lives, our thoughts, even our homes, there is no room to welcome the stranger. Oh, that’s part of what this week of vacation is for me. Making room in my life again.