During the summer months, we have the chance to welcome guests and also to be the guests of others. Although these visits are accompanied by lots of preparation, cleaning and laundry, the good times overshadow the challenges involved. We share good and drink and tells stories with friends, new and old. In our faith tradition, extending and receiving hospitality is a holy act because God can use the occasion to be present in refreshing and healing ways.

In Genesis 18, Abram and Sarai are blessed with son after their generous hospitality to three visitors who came to them by the oaks of Mamre. This episode provides the background for the New Testament command, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

God is eager to join the party when people get together. For example:

• Elizabeth welcomes Mary for a momentous visitation at the beginning of her pregnancy – Luke 1: 39-35.
• Mary and Jesus keep the wedding feast at Cana going strong after the wine ran out – John 2: 1-11.
• Jesus picks up a towel and washes the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper – John 13: 3-11.
• When they get to Emmaus, the disciples invite Jesus to join them at table, and he reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread – Luke 24: 13-35.

When people break bread together, or enjoy recreation or entertainment, they often grow to understand and appreciate each other better. Better working relationships and more effective communication are often fruits of hospitality.

Hospitality and the Eucharist. Pope John Paul II linked our reception of Christ in the Eucharist with hospitality: "Like the disciples of Emmaus, believers, supported by the living presence of the risen Christ, become in turn the traveling companions of their brothers and sisters in trouble, offering them the word that rekindles hospitality in their hearts. With them they break the bread of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual help" (Homily, June 2, 2000).

The early Christians understood the connection between receiving Christ in the Eucharist and sharing hospitality with others. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…. Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts" (Acts 2:42, 46).

Bible Study Opportunity. The Acts of the Apostles is full of stories of hospitality. We see how the Gospel was spread throughout the ancient world because of people welcoming missionaries into their homes and listening to the Word of God they brought with them. Your students in grades 4-8 could work in pairs to discover and report on all the acts of hospitality found in this book.

For Reflection: Recall a time when someone went out of their way to be with you or help you. What attributes characterize a person who is ready at any time to welcome someone who is new to the class or neighborhood?