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Practicing Radical Hospitality

Originally posted on January 3, 2008

The Holy Trinity2.jpgThe Icon of the Holy Trinity is understood to reflect the doctrine of The Holy Trinity and The Hospitality of God. The account of the strangers visiting Abram is reflective of the practice of hospitality as reflected in the Old Testament. It is expected that the person of God will welcome the stranger. To not welcome the stranger violates the concept of hospitality and brings about the anger of God and separation from our neighbor. The Rule of St. Benedict (Chapter 53) states, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.”Matthew 25: 35 states, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”In Hebrew 13: 2 we read, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers , for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hospitality invites us to give each person the respect and dignity that is due the creation of God. Regardless of what has been done, what has been believed, or how life has been lived, we are called to love and fully accept the person. Love asks no questions. Love offers kindness. Love feeds the hungry and cares for the sick. Each person has been created by God and each person has been redeemed by Jesus Christ. The ability to love and accept in this way is a gift of the Holy Spirit. As one lives in the Word and experiences prayer, one begins to see the world through the Father’s eyes. Prayer: Father, allow me to see each person as Christ. Allow me to treat each person as if Christ Himself. Amen.

 

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