Let me bring you a little food, that you might refresh yourselves…
Are we ready to offer extraordinary hospitality to the Lord?
When, in the Book of Genesis, the Lord appears to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, Abraham does not seem to be entirely sure who his guest is… or are. For the Lord appears before him in the form of three men standing nearby, at once singular and multiple. Yet, even in his uncertainty, Abraham goes overboard, offering fresh rolls, a tender, choice steer, and curds and milk. Abraham is ready to enter into the presence of the Lord, as Psalm 15 puts it, for Abraham does justice, living according to the law and in right relationship with his God. Meeting the needs of his neighbor, Abraham lives in the presence of God!
In Luke’s Gospel, Martha and Mary similarly offer hospitality to Jesus. Martha serves, taking care of Jesus’ physical needs, while Mary listens, which is in fact itself a form of service. Both are important, although Martha’s service is somewhat marred by the anxiety she allows to creep into her actions: Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things, Jesus says. Martha’s worry diminishes her gift, and she does not seem to see that her sister Mary is also providing Jesus with something important. Both, however, are themselves gifted by the presence of Jesus in their home, and by all that he can teach them.
By contrast, St. Paul never met the Colossians, yet he too offers them what he can in terms of teaching in his letter to their community, rejoicing in his own sufferings for their sake. Paul knows that baptism offers us a new life focused in the Spirit; he invites the Colossians to enter into Jesus’ death and suffering more profoundly, that they might best participate in what it means to be church. It is Christ in you, Paul says, the hope for glory. Identifying with them as members of the Body, Paul affirms their shared mission: it is Christ whom we proclaim. Even at a distance, Paul connects.
Paul and the Colossians may not have the benefit of a shared meal, as Abraham does with his visitors, or Martha and Mary with theirs, but all participate in God’s activity. For us, the opportunity to both give and receive extraordinary hospitality is present every time we come together to celebrate the Eucharist, sharing in the Eucharistic meal as a participation in God’s activity right here and now. Won’t you join us?
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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