Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
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Invitation to Christ’s
Hospitality
Do not forget to show hospitality to
strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without
knowing it (V.2)
The words hospitality and hospital were derived from the
Latin word hospes, signifying a stranger or foreigner, hence a guest. Hospitality
is the relationship between the guest and the host, or the act or practice of
being hospitable. Various ancient cultures placed special emphasis in this
regard. To the ancient greeks, hospitality was a divine right. In India
hospitality is based on the on the principle Atithi Devo Bhava, meaning
“the guest is God”. We see a similar instance in Old Testament where Abraham
was treating few strangers without knowing that they were angels(V.2)
.Christianity cannot be thought of without the aspect of hospitality, such a
bond exists between the two. Jesus’ parables were rich with the characteristics
of hospitality like Good Samaritan and his life was filled with compassion that
he knew exactly the mind of a hospitable house owner at the wedding feast at Cana
and another one who allowed to open the roof of his house to bring the
paralyzed man.
Hospitality is an expression of one’s character: As a
marthomite, one can be proud of the rich heritage and tradition that we
inherited from such great church leaders like late Juhanon Marthoma and other
metropolitans, Bishops, Priests, Evangelists and lay leaders who demonstrated
the true meaning of hospitality through their lives that paved the seed for the
growth of the church. Let’s constantly reminds us that we are the descendants
of the people of great faith and sacrifice. I have heard of humbling stories of
the hospitality our forefathers had extended to the servants of God to the
extent of starving their own families in those days when two meals a day was considered
a luxury. God remembered their sacrificial giving and I am certain that each of
us here in US is a living testimony of the blessings in return. The challenge
is whether our children inherit such blessings moving forward. Have we ever
thought of this? Do we regret the decisions we made for our children’s
upbringing? Are our tears today is of gratitude or regret? Take a moment to
reflect on our own lives.
Hospitality is a symbol of discipleship: Jesus
washed his disciples’ feet and also become the host to the travelers to Emmaus
even after resurrection thus have demonstrated the need of serving others. True
disciple offers his/her life like a fragrant offering for the world around. As
true disciples, let’s mold our lives to receive the great invitation from the
King who will say “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes
and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you
came to visit me.’
Prayer: O Lord, help me to follow the footsteps of the saints
who chose to suffer for your sake to transform the world. Amen.
Thought for the day: Hospitality should
have no other nature than love – Henrietta Mears
George Sam, Viginia
Immanuel MTC