Hospitality in today’s readings
No one disputes that hospitality is nice. But there is a
fierce debate about whether it’s fundamental and mandatory – like truth and
justice – or decorative and optional – like using the best dishes when special guests
come.
I note with interest that the first reading at Mass today,
on Divine Mercy Sunday, is a short passages from the Acts of the Apostles
(2:42-47), with three references to hospitality. It’s repeated three times: the
ideal of a Christian life in community includes prayer and hospitality.
First: “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the
apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the
prayers.”
Second: “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together
in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.”
And third: “They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.”