From Red Brocade by Naomi Ship Nye
The Arabs used to say,
When a stranger appears at your door,
feed him for three days
before asking who he is,
where he’s come from,
where he’s headed.
That way, he’ll have the strength
enough to answer.
Or, by then you’ll be
such good friends
you don’t care.
In my tradition of Christianity, this understanding of hospitality is found most often in the monastic community, expressed in Benedict’s Rule. While the lofty cathedrals are important, the guest house is seen as sacred as the church building. There is an understanding that whenever we welcome a guest, we have the potential of experiencing Christ’s presence.
I recently saw an article with a pastor bemoaning the presence of folks experiencing homelessness and drug addicts on their property. As I read the story, my heart hurt, for it denied our calling to offer hospitality without concern for reciprocity. To claim the mantle of Christ follower is to offer grace without price.
God of all people, help us to open our doors, knowing that everyone is a friend, even if we don’t know it yet.
Only Wonder Understands 