When was the last time you experienced exceptional hospitality? Hospitality is by definition generous, and has been one of the marks of Christianity from the very beginning. One thing that clearly set Christians apart from others was the way they treated each other and the way they welcomed strangers.
I have spent most of my adult life on the road. The challenges of life on the road have often been soothed by generous hospitality. Last week I was studying a map of the world with my oldest son Walter for a project he was doing for school, and as we moved from country to country, from city to city, each place reminded me of the people who welcomed and hosted me in those places.
Today is Holy Thursday and Christians around the world will remember and celebrate the Last Supper. This is the night when Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples, washed their feet, reminded them that they had a unique contribution to make, and gave them the servant leadership model.
Now, here is today’s generosity habit.
For more than 1500 years, Monasteries around the world have been welcoming travelers and pilgrims and providing hospitality. We are all travelers. We are all just passing through this place. When you welcome someone into your home for a meal or to stay, you share in this long and rich history of hospitality, which is a beautiful form of generosity. When you welcome someone into your home, shower them generously with hospitality. Live a life of generous service to others.
Matthew Kelly
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