A Note From Father Rob

Last Sunday, I preached about the ministry of hospitality, which of course, can be manifested in many different ways. I mentioned some of the ways we do it together at St. James, in many of the services and ministries of the Church. But I didn’t say much about the ministry of hospitality in our own lives.

I find there to be two kinds of hospitality in my life: the hospitality of my home and the hospitality I take out into the world. In my home, hospitality takes on a fairly traditional look. If you were a guest, you might find a comfortable chair, good food, a cold drink and some relaxing music. But the hospitality I take into the world is different because I never know what it is going to be, or what it might look like.

Out in the world, I encounter people in all kinds of situations. Some of them could use a meal or a drink, but not everyone. Sometimes, my being hospitable might look more like a ride, or an errand, or a conversation, or even a phone call. It may be five minutes of my time in a parking lot, just listening to a friend and lending a sympathetic ear. Or it may be helping elderly neighbors in their yard.

Jesus brought people together for good things through his own special hospitality. May we learn to live a fuller life through His example.

Peace my friends, Rob+