As Christians we are called to be hospitable, in our homes, in our churches and in our communities. We should be welcoming all and sharing what we have with our guests. In many churches, today, there is a welcoming committee. A group of people who takes turns at each service to welcome the congregation at the door, to usher parishioners to their seats and then at
the end of the service to wish people well. There is also likely a tea committee. A group of parishioners that will serve refreshments after the service, allowing friends and fellow believers time to chat and catch up. These roles of hospitality are taken seriously but can sometimes be a distraction to those carrying them out; is the urn hot, will there be enough milk, so-and-so forgot to bring biscuits, Mr X is sitting where Mrs Y usually sits.
I remember hearing a story as a young child of a priest who surprised his congregation by dressing as a hobo and attending a Sunday mass. He had arranged for a visiting priest to take on his duties that weekend. The priest played the role of hobo well and was very convincing. There was quite a scene at the back of the church when he tried to gain access. The welcomers and ushers were not
happy about letting him enter the church. What would the people say? Where would he sit? Would he be a threat to anybody? What were his intentions? All thoughts and ideals of being hospitable towards this man were forgotten and instead replaced by discrimination and assumptions, judgment and fear. Imagine the surprise of the congregation when all was revealed!
This story reminds me to question the motivation of being hospitable, being part of these committees: the genuine host or the self-serving host? Are you genuinely serving others and in turn Jesus when being part of these committees or is it about being seen and being involved, being able to claim that you are “so involved” in the church?
Jesus does not require lavishness, expensive spreads or fancy seats. He invites us to come with open and expectant hearts, to sit at his feet and to listen to his teachings and messages for us. He does not exclude anybody from this invitation, in fact, he welcomes those on the margins of society, the poor, the sick and the weak.
I invite you today, to examine your thoughts and ideas about hospitality, in all areas of your life. How can you be more like Jesus?
