By Sister Mary Core, OSB
I just finished reading a wonderful book, loaded with the realities of living.
I laughed. I cried. I was filled with emotions across the spectrum.
And I met characters about whom we could all say, “Yeah. I know someone like that!” Continue Reading
Sister Stefanie welcomes guests into the library of St. Mary Monastery.
Saying Good morning to someone who doesn’t return our greeting can trip our switch from hospitality to hostility in an instant.
Indeed, practicing hospitality can sometimes seem an exercise in self-flagellation. So why do it?
Because it’s good for us all. Continue Reading
Fear is a great motivator. While it is sometimes well founded, fear can keep us from reaching out to each other.
It can keep us from seeing each other as children of God. Continue Reading
Sister Margaret welcomes inner-city children to the monastery grounds for some outdoor fun.
Sister Margaret Murphy stood at the edge of a busy thoroughfare, looking at the restaurant on the other side.
She had promised to meet friends there, but the pavement looked icy. Traffic was heavy, too.
“I didn’t know what to do,” she says. “I couldn’t cross the street, but going back wasn’t an option. It was sleeting and the sidewalks were getting icy too.” Continue Reading
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, he spoke with her.
This was remarkable in itself, as men simply did not interact publicly with women – let alone enemy Samaritans – at the time.
But there was more: Jesus accepted her, an adulterer reviled by many, for who she was. And he offered himself. Continue Reading
This is Part 1 of a 9-part story on the importance of practicing hospitality in our lives. We need to welcome others … ourselves … God. Join Sisters Catherine, Margaret, Charlotte, Marlene, Mary, Stefanie, Marianne, Helen and Rita as they share their wisdom.
All summer long, guests arrived at the Cleary farm.
Cousins came to ride the ponies. Aunts and uncles to visit with the parents.
Meals were prepared, served and cleaned up after. Beds were changed and floors were swept.
On the first of September Mrs. Cleary said, “This is the first day this summer we have not had guests.” Continue Reading
Today we begin a 9-part story – it’s a love song, really – about practicing hospitality in our lives.
It’s about how – and why – to welcome ourselves … to welcome one other … to welcome God.
It will change our hearts in more profound ways than we can predict.
Join Sisters Catherine, Margaret, Charlotte, Marlene, Mary, Stefanie, Marianne, Helen and Rita as they share their wisdom.
Part 1: Let All Guests Be Received as Christ
Part 2: I Will Be Me so You Can Be You
Part 3: When the Stranger is You
Part 5: Choosing hospitality despite rejection
Part 6: Welcoming Jesus Christ in ourselves
Part 7: Entertaining Angels (while caring for ourselves)
Part 8: Put a Candle in Your Window
Part 9: 3 Ways to Practice Hospitality
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