Hospitality is more than being warm and friendly to others when you choose. It is a transforming way of life that opens the heart of the disciple to not only see Christ in the other but propels her to make room, make ready, and be available for those in need.
Ultimately, this daily practice of Jesus that transformed and opened the hearts of his disciples will change our hearts and actions, making us available to meet the needs of the other. The process of changing the heart occurs with each encounter and every act of hospitality. The process, although described in steps, is a seamless action that happens unconsciously, like breathing.
Over the next few days, we’ll examine the steps in embracing the more expansive definition of hospitality. Once you have reflected on each of the steps—making room, making ready, and being available—think of this as a seamless process and reflect on how each step is essential to the whole.
Lord, open my heart and mind so that I may be more like you.
Tomorrow: Making room
This message was adapted from the “Hospitality: More Than Warm and Friendly” resource written by Valora K. Starr and available from the Women of the ELCA website.
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