FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hospitality! Just what does it imply? Hosting a Presbytery meeting or a Dinner for Eight group? Opening one's home to a foreign exchange student or other international visitors in an effort to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding? Welcoming those in a new member class or a new face one sees at choir rehearsal?
What does it mean to offer RADICAL HOSPITALITY? Father Dan Homan, a monk at the St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford MI, tells us that RADICAL HOSPITALITY is much more. It is that part of our being that makes us available to others, to listen – really listen – to the one who needs "an ear," to be accepting even when it's a challenge, to search for and discover God's presence in everyone who crosses our path.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY demands our acceptance of those different from us, opening up to them a caring heart, offering comfort, strength, and encouragement. According to Father Homan, "listening is the most hospitable thing we can do, and if we do nothing else, we will have taken great steps in hospitality."
We have the perfect opportunity here at FPC, March 1-8, when we host South Oakland Shelter, to demonstrate RADICAL HOSPITALITY. Whatever way one volunteers, it will be an opening of one's heart to those temporarily without a home, relationships, friends, work, or more. Listening to our guests' stories as they are driven to and from their days' destinations, sharing the evening meal at their table, interacting with them after dinner, showing them RADICAL HOSPITALITY.
Prayer: Gracious and loving God, help me to open my heart to those around me, listening, respecting, accepting just as your son Jesus did. Amen.
Patricia Lindroth
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