Image Credit: The Hospitality of Abraham - basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy on revsshaffer. Com
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. This is true even when we are at Mass, when we are privileged to witness the miracle taking place before our eyes. And yet, being present at the Eucharistic celebration in the midst of our community of faith 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
Visit my Blog at: www.deacontomwrites.blogspot.com
And tune into the www.deaconspod.com to hear a contemporary Catholic conversation exploring the treasures our faith has to offer.
Recommended Podcast: The Diary of Jesus Christ by Fr. Bill Cain, S.J. Fr Bill combines his skills as a screenwriter and his Ignatian practice of placing himself in the gospel narrative to crate this imaginative story of Jesus' Life.
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