Deacon Tom Writes,
“Hospitality Plus”
Abraham certainly knew how to entertain. He extended
a humble greeting and generous hospitality to the three travelers who passed
his tent in the heat of the day. He provided them with water – a vital
necessity in the heat of the midday sun. Then he instructed Sarah to bake some
bread while he had a choice steer prepared for a meal. What a great host
Abraham was! This is the sort of treatment we reserve for our closest friends.
In a real way, God wants us to know this is the way God treats us, his children.
This reading from the book of Genesis gives us
insight into the hospitality of Jesus. In grounding the Eucharistic celebration
in the context of a public banquet to which everyone is invited, Christ offers
us hospitality not only for this life, but also for the life to come. Christ is
our nourishment in the Eucharistic banquet shared as though we are one big family
invited to center our thoughts and actions on him and not be “anxious and worried about many things”
as Martha was so disposed in today’s gospel. We all know how difficult it is at
times not to be overwhelmed when it comes to preparing Thanksgiving or
Christmas dinner for a large number of guests. This can happen not just on
festive occasions but all on any “ordinary” day. Our minds are constantly full
of the needs of the day… the bills to pay, the stress at work and at home, sick
parents or children, conflicting schedules… there are so many things to do and
so many concerns weighing heavily on our minds that it is difficult to be aware
of the spiritual realities taking place before us, especially at Mass when we
are privileged to witness the miracle taking place before our eyes. And yet,
this is the best possible way and place for us to find some relief from the
worries and anxieties that are so much a part of our lives.
When we respond to the hospitality Jesus offers us,
we gain new insight into the spiritual realities around us. This is why I
believe that Paul can say, “rejoice in my
sufferings for your sake”. Paul was able to connect with, “the mystery hidden from ages and from
generations past” because he had experienced Jesus’ bountiful hospitality
that eventually led him into an intimate relationship with Christ that enabled
him to see beyond his physical pain and suffering.
As we gather for picnics and celebrations this
summer, as we extend hospitality to our family, friends and neighbors, let us
be mindful of the open invitation we have to break bread together with our
friends and neighbors every time we go to Mass where Jesus has set a place for
us at his Table and waits for us to share our fears, worries, and struggles
with him.
Enjoy the Day!
Deacon Tom
Image Credit: The Hospitality of Abraham - basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna,
Italy on revsshaffer. com
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