“Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” – Luke 10:38-39
A little more than a year ago my wife and I were blessed with the opportunity to travel to Uganda along with Christopher Hoar, the Founder/President of CARITAS For Children. We had the privilege of staying with the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and spending time with many of the CARITAS children who attend their schools. Our trip was truly a lesson in hospitality.
We had barely stepped off of the plane before we were greeted by a brigade of Sisters, some priests connected with CARITAS, and others who had come to welcome us. This was the first of many gracious greetings and acts of hospitality from the Ugandan people that we encountered on our trip. Whether it was a friendly handshake, the offer of tea and biscuits, or the simple words, “You are most welcome,” the Sisters and all our acquaintances made us feel precisely like that – most welcome.
Perhaps the most endearing receptions we received were at the schools where children in CARITAS’ Catholic child sponsorship programs are educated. We were able to visit a handful of them around Nkokonjeru, and the wonderful young boys and girls greeted us with clapping, special dances, and singing whenever we arrived at their school for the first time. It was clear that they had worked very hard to make their guests feel honored and at home.
The virtue of hospitality is one of the most profound ways that we can demonstrate our love for another person. We see this throughout the Scriptures and very poignantly in the First Reading for this Sunday. The story tells how Abraham offered respite to three visitors on a hot day. He welcomed them into the cool shade of his tree and offered them cakes and milk. He even butchered one of his choicest steers for them to eat.
In the end, hospitality is more about being present to another person than it is about refreshing them with food and drink. As we hear in the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus’ friend Martha served Him during His visit, while her sister Mary only offered Him her company. That basic act of sharing in God’s love was what meant the most.
The time that we spent with our Ugandan friends was more important than any other activities. I experienced God’s love through their hospitality, and I encountered Him through their company.
Merciful Father, make us more aware of your presence in our lives and help us to be more hospitable to others, especially those in most need of Your love. Amen.
