Go Ahead, Make that Call!

The Gift of Christian Hospitality

Article Tools

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). To me, these words of Jesus describe what we are all trying to do during Advent. Spiritually, we wait, anticipate, and open the door wider for the coming of the King.

Advent also prepares us to throw open the door in a more literal way—by showing hospitality. The whole season is filled with opportunities to invite people into our homes and treat them as we would treat Christ. We try to see Jesus in them. And despite our flaws and quirks, we pray they will see Jesus in us.

My husband and I once invited a young family to have dinner with us. We enjoyed chatting with them as we left church each Sunday and decided it would be nice to really meet them, beyond making small talk.

Second Thoughts. But inviting someone to your home can be daunting—especially when the only thing you know about them is based on a brief encounter after Mass. I hung up the phone, and a wave of worry washed over me.…

The full article is available to subscribers only

Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.

Special Offer: 2 week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.

Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.

Comments (Join the discussion)

  1. meigan's avatar
    meigan

    you provide fire by night and a cloud by day, guiding us through our wanderings. You are present in our darkest hours, rain and sun alike come day by day, reminding us that we may rejoice to be alive at all. In your presence we regain confidence that worthwhile moments, that good and happy times, will come again. Grant us this joy, this mature happiness, and grace to share it with those around us.

    For more information about christian hospitality and holy food feel free to visit here
    http://holy-food.org/

Add Your Comments

To make comments you must be a subscriber or registered user. Please log in below to add your comments or register for a free account.

  (Forgot your password?)