The First Reading and the Gospel today (the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time) speaks of hospitality:
Mary and Martha’s hospitality to their beloved friend, Jesus; and Abram’s welcome to three strangers (a
visitation by God). The custom in more “simple” societies was one of exaggerated care for any
visitor—those known and those not known. This may be so because we all have been strangers in a
strange land, and we know how difficult it is to be “new” somewhere; or maybe because of the ancient
belief that the visitor may be God or Jesus in the form of other persons.

The idea of a visitation by God or His messengers is the archetypal basis of many old stories (remember
“Beauty and the Beast?) and even in many of our own contemporary “urban legends.” The point is: we
have been told that on Judgment Day we will be asked if we fed Jesus, clothed him, and visited him when
he was sick or imprisoned. We know all should welcome and receive the living GodGod Himself, or
the God in all of us.

The ideal of hospitality is a great part of our St. Aidan Parish—people talk about how welcoming our
parish is for visitors—many times they say so to Fr. Kevin while exiting the church. Fr. Rick Hartmann (a
retired priest who lives at the Retirement Village) always used to say at the final blessing and dismissal:
“There are no strangers in the house of God.” Every week we gather together to share our stories, to share
a meal, and when we are sent we are reminded of this by the Scripture readings today.
In the Gospel Jesus tells us that the better part of hospitality is more than the service we are to give to the
body of a person, it is about paying attention to that person him/herself. Yes, one feeds the body, but then
one is most hospitable by listening. This is an acknowledgment of the divine within all of us. At mass,
even before we eat (receiving Jesus in us), we listen to God’s Word, inviting God into our hearts and
minds.

Taking this idea of God’s presence in us a step farther would mean we must extend that
acknowledgement—to respect, accept and understand that God’s presence is in all things. Hospitality and
service give way to stewardship and care, guardianship and responsibility. We must remember that in all
persons God is present; and we may be judged on how we respond. We may not always recognize God in
the “every day” of our lives; and that is our challenge as Disciples: to be hospitable to all that God puts in
our path. We are called to respond in hospitalitywith attention and respect, with love and mercyto the
presence of God in everyone and in all things. All Are Welcome!
Keep singing!
​
Elizabeth Dyc

Today, this Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear Moses today encourage the people to follow the law of the Lord with all their heart and soul. He reminds them [us] to keep God’s commands and statutes, that this law is “something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” Hey! Easier said, than done, Moses!
 
In the Gospel of Luke today we hear the familiar story of “The Good Samaritan.” In telling this parable, Jesus broadens the definition of “neighbors” beyond just those people we know or those who live near us. We are called to reconciliation at the most difficult level: loving our actual enemies!
 
The scholar who questions Jesus about what it takes to inherit eternal life also asks Jesus who his neighbors are. The Samaritan’s mercy for the robber’s victim is the point of the parable that Jesus tells. In the telling of this parable, Jesus’ example of the merciful person is actually a person abhorrent to the Jews of this time!  And yet, the Samaritan is the one who acts in love.
 
Christian neighborliness does not refer to where one lives, or personal beliefs, cultural customs and languages and ethnicity; it is revealed in the way one acts. We are called to rise above shared hatred and bitterness, to put aside our personal restrictions, to be moved by a deep compassion for those in need of healing and mercy. Easier said, than done, Lord!
 
So, who are our neighbors? This is a difficult question in this tumultuous time; easier asked, than answered. We have all heard the “love law” in Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” St. Paul has warned us against biting and devouring one other. (Politicians: pay attention!) Recently in conversation with an old friend of mine: she said that just because you go to Church, it doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going into your garage makes you a car. Professing Christ is easier said, than done!
 
We gather to pray that the Lord of All Nations may grant us the grace to love all people—especially those who are difficult to love. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that all whose lives are touched by ours may know Your healing touch and mercy. Love all your neighbors.
Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc