Entertaining angels

As I walk or drive in my neighborhood, I frequently see a large sign on the front lawn of several churches that catch my attention.  It’s usually a very uncomplicated, one-word sign: WELCOME.  I know people who say they go to a particular church because the pastor is an outstanding preacher or because the church community is very welcoming.  Even if there’s a church closer, they’ll drive further to be with a community where they feel welcomed.

The Letter to the Hebrews tells us, "Do not neglect hospitality…" (Hebrews 13:1-8).  The biblical demand for hospitality is clear in both Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 19:34, Isaiah 58:7, Timothy 5:10, Peter 4:89, Et.al).  In the Scriptures God has welcomed us, who are aliens and strangers, into the "household of faith." (Galatians 6:10).  Now we’re required to offer hospitality to others.  Hospitality makes room for the stranger, especially those in most acute need. This is more than social entertaining and is not based on self-interest and doesn’t expect anything in return.

The characters in the Gospel I’m reflecting on today are positively removed from a spirit of hospitality (Mark 6:14-29).  Rather, they’re frozen in their own self-interest.  Herodias harbored a grudge against John the Baptist.  Herod didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of his guests, so he reluctantly decreed the beheading of John the Baptist to save face.

Hospitality is not about “me”.  When our ego gets involved, we’re definitely missing the primary reason for hospitality.  John Ruskin, a poet of the 19th century, wrote, "When a man is all wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package."  That certainly describes Herod and Herodias.  Also several politicians in the current news cycle that I could name, but I won’t—that wouldn’t be hospitable.

If we want to extend compassionate hospitality, we can consider talking with a person who is often ignored by others, comfort the grieving, share our faith with someone searching for meaning, speak an encouraging word to the weak, visit the sick, host neighbors in our home for the sole purpose of getting to know them, respond to those in a crisis, provide food for the homeless or support a food pantry, offer a kind word to the beggar at the street corner, visit a widow in our neighborhood on a regular basis, reach out to those who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse in their homes, have lunch with an obnoxious or agnostic co-worker, invite someone to Sunday Mass with us. 

As Jesus welcomes us as strangers, may we have the grace to welcome the stranger into our life and community.