Hospitality

Lately, the concept of Hospitality has been in the forefront of my days.  Even the Scriptural readings for this past Sunday have focused on offering hospitality – Abraham and Sarah greeting and providing a meal for travelers outside their tent, Martha and Mary providing food & beverages and a listening ear when Jesus came to enjoy their company.  

I recently read a novel called Martha based upon the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus stories in the Gospel. Throughout the story, gracious hospitality was extended to guests who appeared at their gate.  

 

My sisters and a cousin came to visit the home where I live last weekend.  In that case, the hospitality was reciprocal.  Since I am still in full-time ministry and they are retired from full-time employment, they brought the first evening’s supper and ideas of “adventures” they’d like to explore during the weekend.  I provided beds, showers, and a dining room table around which we gathered for much of the time telling stories with much laughter.   

 

I also experienced hospitality this past week when the Leadership Council celebrated my birthday with a cake and party during one of their meeting breaks.  As I was recalling these recent experiences, I remembered that encountering the hospitality and welcome of the Sinsinawa Dominicans the first time I came to the Mound was one of the reasons that I was able to “yes” when God was nudging me toward vowed membership.

 

What is your experience of offering or receiving hospitality?

Is God nudging you to explore vowed membership?

 

Anne Sur OP

East Dubuque IL