“Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” These words from Scripture remind us of when Abraham extended hospitality to three unknown visitors, and because he did so, he entertained three angels and was blessed with a son. Saint Benedict, aware of the importance of hospitality, wrote in his rule for all Benedictine monks to follow: “Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for He is going to say, ‘I came as a guest, and you received Me.’” Benedict continued, “In the greeting of all guests… let all humility be shown. Let the head be bowed or the whole body prostrated on the ground in adoration of Christ, who indeed is received in their persons. In the reception of the poor and of pilgrims, the greatest care and solicitude should be shown, because it is especially in them that Christ is received.”
This is the Christian understanding of hospitality. It is not simply about being nice since even evil-doers can be nice to each other. Christian hospitality is about recognizing Christ in the other person, especially the poor as Saint Benedict reminded his monks. Christian hospitality is to worship, adore and serve Christ as Mary did at his feet. Christian hospitality requires a generous heart.
Throughout the centuries, the Church has been hospitable because it is an integral part of her mission, recognizing Christ in the needy, the sick, the hungry, the aged, the foreigner and the imprisoned. In the early Church, Romans were attracted to the Church because she took care of the most vulnerable and disenfranchised members of Roman society including the poor, widows and orphans. The 4th century Roman Emperor Julian (the Apostate, as he was known) even instituted a welfare system to prevent more conversions to Christianity. Julian wrote, “these impious Galileans [Christians] not only feed their own poor, but ours also; welcoming them into their meals, they attract them, as children are attracted with cakes.”
The Church continues to welcome the stranger, the foreigner and the needy, and in doing so, she welcomes Christ with a generous heart. The Church has and continues to applaud every effort in society that helps the needy.
Last week, the Hispanic Ministry Office of the Diocese of Savannah launched the second year of its three-year initiative with an emphasis on hospitality. During the gathering of over 250 faithful at Sacred Heart Parish in Warner Robins, Bishop Hartmayer reminded those present that our Church is a big Church with wide doors. The Church must welcome all. At this time in our diocesan history, we are called to welcome the immigrants among us, extending genuine Christian hospitality towards those who are away from their homeland. During this Year of Mercy, the Holy Door at our cathedral represents Jesus Christ who is the gate through which the sheep enter into the kingdom. We are challenged to imitate Christ as the gate, so that all God’s children, regardless of nationality, race, or ethnicity, may, through our warm hospitality, feel welcome in the Church and encounter Jesus Christ.
These are my own photos, all rights reserved.
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