Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8
Donald R. McClarey writes this about John of Nepomuk:
“The more he shunned the esteem of men the more it followed him. He however accepted soon after the office of almoner of the court, which could only give him an authority and assistance the better to perform his duty as preacher to the court, and enable him in a private capacity to assist the poor, and to gain souls to God. Nor had this charge either the distractions, or the riches or honours, which had so much affrighted him in the dignities before mentioned.
Thus humility fixed him in the court whither ambition leads others. He appeared there the same man he had been in his private life. His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress. He declared himself their general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.
His charity was also sagacious in finding out, and secretly reconciling all dissensions which arose in the court or city: of many whereof authentic monuments are still preserved, in which the patience of this great man, his penetration and judgment, and the equity of his decisions are equally admired. He found time for everything, because the saints, who in temporal concerns forget themselves, find more leisure than other men for the service of their neighbours.”
John of Nepomuk (1345-1393) pictured above on the Charles Bridge in the heart of Prague.
I mention John of Nepomuk today as it is the last day of my meetings on my first visit to Prague before departing tomorrow, and because I participated in a widely known activity.
“It’s a long-held tradition among tourists that touching the Statue of John of Nepomuk, the oldest and only bronze figure on the Charles Bridge, is said to bring good fortune and a swift return to Prague.”
I hope to return to Prague as this visit sparked work linked to GTP worth noting tomorrow. But today, let us gain at least three insights from the charity of this saint for our generosity.
Firstly, “His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress.” This inspires us to have a ministry of hospitality. To make our home a space filled with grace.
At dinner last night, I learned a negative perception that some have of Americans links to the pattern that foreigners are rarely invited into their home for dinner.
Secondly, John was a “general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.” By his interaction he was “secretly reconciling all dissensions.”
So, John not only opened his home, but he made himself available to others. What comes into view is the practice of hospitality associated with his dwelling and his service.
Thirdly, as saints “in temporal concerns forget themselves” he seemed to live in a manner that trusted God to sort his needs while he emptied himself in service to his neighbors.
As I depart Prague tomorrow, this saint inspires me (and I hope you too) to practice hospitality, to make room in our hearts and schedules for others, and to forget ourselves.
In so doing, God will take care of us. Others may throw us of a bridge for such living (as John was martyred). But our charity may live on, like John of Nepomuk, to inspire others.