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Christian Hospitality


Christian Hospitality

I was reminded of my first Thanksgiving celebration hosted by my Friendship Family two months after my arrival in the US.  Upon arriving at their home and introduced to the family, Mr. W. gave me a brief tutorial about Football and the importance of Football in the American culture, this was followed by a demonstration of throwing and receiving a football in their front yard. After realizing how hopelessly gifted I was in the game, we went to the wood pile where Mr. W. showed me how to chop wood.  The highlight of the visit to me was the delicious meal Mrs. W. prepared for us.  We have roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, jelly and pumpkin pie….. what lavish hospitality.  Even though many of the food items were not familiar to me, and I still do not know how to throw or to receive a football, Mr. and Mrs. W. gave me the very best they knew how.  They treated me (a foreign student) with love, respect and every kind aspects of humanity.  The W’s changed how I treat and receive guests.

Sharing food is the most common form of hospitality; humans are drawn to food for the alimentary delights, however, more important are the many other attributes of hospitality that should not be ignored.  These are the genuine caring and respect of each other, the time enjoying the company of friendship of old friends and new acquaintances, even sometimes strangers and foreigners. 

In solitude we collect strength from God to build up endurance and resilience and in practicing hospitality we carry out the Lord’s command to do ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

Comments

  1. pmyMarch 11, 2018 at 7:20 PM

    The concept of making room for God and others - I was reminded of the Hindi "Namaste" which means "I bow to the divine in you".

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  2. JudiMarch 11, 2018 at 7:23 PM

    Memories of moments when we feel especially welcome stick with us. Oh to be able to turn the situation around and offer hospitality to make others feel welcome and cared for. I know you have modeled that hospitality you have received for us in our congregation. Each of us knows someone who could use a kind word or an invitation to a cup of coffee. Let us all look this week for situations where we can make someone else feel comfortable, welcome and heard.

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