Fasting Day 16 of 40 | Third Saturday of Lent
“Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:18
Though Moses could retreat to the mountain for forty days and nights, how should the rest of us observe fasting when we receive guests?
Benedict of Nursia answers this question in his rule. “Let the divine law be read in the presence of a guest, that he may be edified; and after this let all courtesy be shown him. For hospitality’s sake the superior may break his fast, unless by chance it be a fast-day of obligation, the which cannot be violated: but let the brethren continue to observe their custom of fasting. Let the abbot serve water for the guests’ hands; and let both the abbot and also the whole community wash all the guests’ feet: and the washing finished let them say this versicle: “We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple.” And above all let care be scrupulously shown in receiving the poor and strangers; for in them specially is Christ received.”
Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547) in The Rule of St. Benedict, trans. by W.K. Lowther Clarke (London: SPCK, 1931), p. 24.
Notice the focus. Break the fast when necessary to show hospitality guests, the poor, and strangers. Read the Word of God, feed them, and wash their feet. That means give them your best and not leftovers. Serve and receive guests as if you are receiving Christ into your home.
Jesus, help me welcome all guests as if I am welcoming You. Amen.
How do you welcome guests, the poor, and strangers into your life? Your schedule? Your home? Talk to those with whom you live about how you might generously welcome guests as if you are welcoming Christ.