Breaking Open the Word
June 28 - 13th Sunday Ordinary Time
Introduction
When you are called on to entertain friends or family, how do you respond? Are you eager to serve? Or does fear overtake you? Some people have the gift of hospitality and easily plan for guests. Others find it a daunting task. Today’s readings remind us that hospitality is a Christian virtue. All of us can respond willingly with confidence to a request to provide food or lodging to others if we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. This is especially true when called to serve those who bring God’s Word to others.
In the Gospel, Jesus also provides the conditions of discipleship. Jesus, the Living Word of God to humanity, warned that the decision to follow Him might break the bonds of our friendships and families. Pointing to His future crucifixion, Jesus invites His disciples to follow Him in announcing the Kingdom through His healing ministry, suffering, and ultimate glory.
Gospel Explained
Jesus presented two themes in today’s gospel: the priority of faith and the virtue of hospitality. The priority of faith demanded radical consequences for early Christians. Since extended, closely-knit families formed the basis of society at the time, a choice for Christ could mean a rejection of the family's faith and values and possible excommunication by the family. Outside of one's extended family, a person could easily slide into homelessness.
Jesus reminded His followers that the Christian life involved such risks (a cross to carry). And one could not compromise these risks away. A believer could not placate his family if the cost threatened faith. No, faith might involve an extreme choice. Either the relationship with family took priority ("...finding life in this world") or the relationship with Jesus took the number one spot.
What happened if the follower suffered the worst from his choice to follow Christ? Fellow Christians would create a new extended family. Here, Christ stressed hospitality. Whoever welcomed the Christian, welcomed Christ and His Father. Whoever welcomed those who lived the consequences of choosing Christ (the traveling missionary and the person who lived God's will), received the same gift of grace God gave to those in ministry. Even in the smallest kindness, God rewarded the minister and the host equally. Jesus took a popular virtue and turned it into a ministry on par with the missionary. Supporting and welcoming God’s workers is as important as the work itself.
Today's Theme
Belief in and acceptance of Jesus requires a radical commitment which supersedes all other commitments and relationships, even those as binding and precious as parent and child. The gospel does not advocate abandonment of family ties and responsibilities but places the commitment to Christ over and above all. The heart which is first dedicated to Christ will then become more capable of loving family members and all others with a fuller and more selfless love. Even when they do not hold the same beliefs.
To be true disciples of Christ we must guard against spending our energies solely for egotism and personal fulfillment. In the end, the person who seeks only himself is alone, but the follower who spends time, treasure and talent for Christ finds his true identity, fulfillment, peace and joy in Christ.
Hospitality is to be valued as a work of mercy as well as a means of witnessing to the faith. Visitors should be welcomed and treated with love in the name of God who loves all peoples. Rather than treating our visitor as a burden or debtor, or as someone to be mistrusted and an occasion for complaining, we are to take pleasure in welcoming those who cannot compensate us for the services we offer. No sacrifice is too great, no visit untimely or inconvenient. This is what a follower of Jesus is asked to do, day in and day out.
Theme in our Life Today
The definition of Christian hospitality is the practice of showing love, kindness, and welcome to others, especially strangers and those in need, as an expression of God’s love and the gospel. Christian hospitality is rooted in Scripture, emphasizing care for others as a reflection of God’s character. In the Old Testament, Abraham and Sarah’s welcoming of strangers illustrates generosity and divine blessing (Genesis 18:1-8). In the New Testament, Jesus modeled hospitality by welcoming sinners and outcasts, sharing meals, and teaching His followers to do likewise. The Apostle Paul also called believers to practice hospitality as a means of grace, love, and community building (Romans 12:13).
In the early church, every Christian especially the bishop was to consider the one knocking at the door (Revelation 3:20) as the Son of God coming to make His dwelling in the home. In the powerful last judgment scene in Matthew’s gospel, hospitality appears to be the standard by which individual futures will be decided. Gifts as simple as water for the thirsty, food for the hungry, a welcome to a stranger, clothing and shelter will have eternal repercussions; remembers Jesus’ words: “whatever you did for one of these least brethren of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
So, next time we are asked to share hospitality with others, to host a lunch or dinner, provide a meal or serve at a parish event let’s accept the invitation with enthusiasm and confidence remembering it is Jesus knocking on our door. If we put our ego aside, not worrying about what others will think of the hospitality we offer, surrendering to the Holy Spirit, God will do great things through us. Our giving should be generous for God will not be outdone in generosity. This message is clear in our readings and throughout God’s Living Word.
Prepare for Sunday
What obstacles get in the way of my Christian commitment? How can I overcome these obstacles?
How can I extend hospitality to other Christians, especially those in need? How do I treat the stranger?
Who can I serve today by opening my home and m