“Accepting the task of hospitality, the patriarch used to sit at the entrance to his tent (cf. Genesis 18:1), inviting all who passed by, and his table was laden for all comers including the impious and barbarians, without distinction. Hence he was found worthy of that wonderful banquet when he received angels and the Master of all as his guests.
We too, then should actively and eagerly cultivate hospitality, so that we may receive not only angels, but also God Himself. For ‘inasmuch’, says the Lord, ‘as you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren you have done it to Me’ (Matthew 25:40). It is good to be generous to all, especially those who cannot repay you.”
Theodore of Edessa (9th century) monk from the monastery of St. Sabas near Jerusalem in “A Century of Spiritual Texts” in The Philokalia: The Complete Text, compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarius of Corinth, Volume 2 (London: Faber & Faber, 1981) 32-33. These days I am reading from the four volumes of the writings of the Orthodox Church Fathers. Fascinating stuff.
Yesterday we hosted a Connecticut couple here in Colorado, Mark and Kate Whitsitt. They are considering moving here as Mark may study at Denver Seminary. We met them at Camp Spofford in New Hampshire when I taught there this past summer.
What a joy to go for a walk with them near our home, to drive to Idaho Springs to get pizza at Beau Jo’s, and to pray over them regarding their future. Hospitality is a facet of generosity. On the surface it costs you something, but in God’s economy the blessing you receive far outweighs any expense.