Perpetual pilgrims (in blue shirts) on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route take a dinner break during a stop at St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in Yonkers, New York. (Gregory A. Shemitz / OSV News / May 23)
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
The dictionary defines “hospitality” as “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.”
A Christian worldview can refer to hospitality as “Christian kindness.”
We see the effects of hospitality — or the lack thereof — time and time again throughout the Bible. Christ speaks of hospitality in Matthew’s Gospel when he says, “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). The Old Testament told of the Israelites as they wandered the desert for 40 years in search of hospitable environs. Even the Holy Family spent time seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus.
It is safe to say that hospitality is, and most likely has always been, of great importance to people everywhere. Modern hotels and hostels often use the image of a pineapple to advertise their special brand of hospitality. There is no doubt that in ancient times, the distant lights of an inn or tavern struck a chord of hope within weary travelers’ hearts.
Indeed, hospitality’s meaning has not diminished at all over the years, decades and millenniums.
Christians view the presence of hospitality as meaning the difference between calling others “guests” and “strangers.” Guests are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, but strangers aren’t. Guests feel the genuine love present in a hearty welcome, but strangers don’t. Guests often return for second or third visits, while strangers don’t.
As a parish, do we find ourselves surrounded by guests, or burdened by strangers?
Hospitality is, in many respects, a mindset. The same person may be treated as a guest at the church just down the road, but as a stranger here.
Matthew’s Gospel tells of Christ as he reveals a profound truth about hospitality: “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” That is, “I used to be a stranger, but you fixed that when you welcomed me.” It’s a classic example of before-and-after. All it took was a change of heart.
Stewardship holds hospitality as an immensely important concept. Remember the three T’s of stewardship — time, talent and treasure? There are also the four P’s, the four pillars of stewardship — hospitality, prayer, formation and service. Hospitality is mentioned first.
If not for hospitality, none of the other pillars will ever take hold. Hospitality is the cornerstone of stewardship because it opens the door to a person’s heart and allows them to receive joy, grace and love.
Hospitality must become second nature if stewardship is to truly take hold within a parish. So when a stranger visits, welcome them as a guest. Perhaps one day, they’ll come a second time.