Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
I researched the modern definition of hospitality because that concept is featured in two of our Readings today. Here is what I found online: “Hospitality means more than just service or accommodations. At its core good hospitality focuses on making others feel welcome, comfortable and valued. It involves extending warmth, kindness and generosity towards guests, visitors or even strangers, creating an environment that fosters genuine human connection and a sense of belonging. True hospitality extends beyond the confines of professional settings like hotels and restaurants.”
In our First Reading from Genesis, we find Abraham, “our father in faith” as he is described in the Roman Canon, practicing good hospitality. He fulfills our definition above, although Sarah does most of the work involved!
The famous gospel story in Luke chapter 10 highlights for us the difference between the active approach and the contemplative one in the matter of hospitality. Martha had certainly made sure Jesus’ feet were washed, had a comfortable chair, and good food and drink. But it is Mary who is focused on Jesus their guest. Jesus their friend. So, she doesn’t run around, but instead sits down, in the attitude of a disciple. She is poised to listen. The Holy Spirit, through Luke, here provides a lesson for us on “hosting” Jesus as the guest of our souls. That means how we pray.
Our prayer is best when we put aside our agenda and try our best to focus on Jesus. This will take patience and effort, because everything else will clamor for attention. Or try to persuade us that they are more practical, better for us to be “productive” with our time.
Jesus really wants to speak to your heart and what He thinks of you. He smiles and signals us just “be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10) Did you notice the calm on Pope Leo’s face during those first moments on the balcony of St. Peter’s right after he was announced? I did. Here is a man of prayer despite the fuss all around him.
It is important also that we pick the best time of our day to host Our Lord’s visit. Michael DeBakey, a heart surgeon, once observed: “For me, the solitude of early morning is the most precious time of day. There is a quiet serenity that disappears a few hours later with the hustle and bustle of the multitude. Early morning hours symbolize for me a rebirth, the anxieties, frustration and woes of the preceding day seem to have been washed away during the night. God has granted another day of life, another chance to do something worthwhile for humanity.”
Permit me to add; that grant marks God’s hospitality to us.
God love you and give you His peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Genesis 18: 1-10a
Abraham hosts 3 visitors (an image of the Trinity) but he only worships one of them, the Lord. The Lord promises Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son.
Reading II: Colossians 1: 24-28
“What is lacking” means adding our suffering to that of Christ, so that the fruits of His redemption are applied to men’s souls. Paul says his mission is to proclaim Christ.
The Gospel: Luke 10: 38-42
Martha and Mary host Jesus. However, Martha is preoccupied with the details of hospitality, while Mary gives her full attention to the guest, namely Jesus. The contrast is made between the active life and the contemplative one.