By Sister Helen Carey, OSB

We all know it is difficult “to practice hospitality ungrudgingly.” (1Peter 4:9, RSV)

Genuine hospitality involves being open and vulnerable, making room in our hearts to grow and to reach out to others.

Sr. Helen Carey, OSB

St. Paul challenges us: “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Rom. 15:7 NRSV)

This is the level of challenge we find in the Rule of Benedict, which instructs that “all guest are to be welcomed as Christ” … especially the poor and pilgrims.

Pope Francis has asked every parish, convent and monastery in Europe to welcome migrants and help provide new homes.

He asks all of us not only to “welcome in,” but to “go out” and seek the needy, lonely and hungry.

He asks us to go out to the margins of our comfort zone.

John Mogabgab (Weavings) writes, “hospitality is a concrete expression of the love that binds us to God and to one another.”

Hospitality shares linguistic history with hospital and brings healing to persons involved.

We all might benefit from pondering how we can make our relationships more hospitable … and healing.