The importance of the virtue of hospitality weaves throughout the Liturgy today. We hear of a woman who provides generous hospitality to the prophet Elisha with meals and a place to stay. She is rewarded with the birth of a son for her generosity. In the gospel we hear Jesus say, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
There are two things for us to see in Jesus’ words. Because disciples belong to Jesus, those who welcome them are actually welcoming Jesus himself. Also, we must create a space of hospitality in our hearts and lives for the presence and action of the Risen Christ.
How do you experience hospitality? How do you welcome Christ into your life?
Fr. Tom Krenik