16TH SUNDAY C

THE LORD REWARDS HOSPITALITY

16th Sunday

I regularly stayed at a friend’s house. They prepared a large room complete with aircon, tv and bath. The room was their kids’ playroom when I’m not around. But when I was there, the kids were not allowed to enter or play there. At times I would catch the kids peeking through the door or waiting impatiently outside. I’m sure they felt deprived of their space. One day, having just arrived, I was just trying to settle down in the room when the eldest child approached me with the innocent question: Father, how long do think will you stay here?

We are an unforgettable people to our guests, especially to foreigners - because of our unequalled hospitality. It is an unwritten rule that when guests enter our homes, we must give the best we have – the best food, the best room, the best accommodations. At times, things can get out of hand as we even try to give what we do not have or what we cannot afford.

The Bible shows high regard for hospitality. The Jews too, valued their guests and served their needs. The first reading shows us Abraham and Sarah welcoming three strangers to their home. The gospel retells the story of Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha, a friendly place Jesus returned many times to visit.

Hospitality had great value in the people of Jesus’ time, and so it is with us today. Why? To welcome others and make them comfortable in our presence is to welcome God who comes to us through people. Abraham did not know he was welcoming God and his angels. Martha and Mary did not realize at that time that they were showing kindness to the Son of God.

What about us? Are we still hospitable, even in the midst of trying times? In rural areas, I think people still are. I’ve been serving as my mother’s watcher in the hospital and I am surprised at her direct orders that every visitor must be served snacks. But as city dwellers, are we still capable of this warm welcome?

Oftentimes we fall into the temptation of selfishness. We don’t want to share the comfort of our homes with others. Why should we? There are so many bad people around. Or we succumb to the temptation of pride. We don’t want others to know us intimately and we exclude others from our circle because they do not belong to our class.

Hospitality is not about food or accommodations. It is all about the friendship we are willing to extend to people. And that is what they remember most. Today many people live and die without the benefit of true friendship.

God rewards hospitality. God gave Abraham a son. And Jesus performed the miracle of the raising of Lazarus, on account of his friendship with him and his sisters, Martha and Mary.

Can we still be hospitable? Or have we begun to close our hearts to the visitation of God who brings us grace through the presence of others?