Hospitable Assistant

Today’s post will address a matter that unfortunately has been forgotten by many, due to the daily hassles. With hectic days, with responsibilities that will never cease, the trend is not to value hospitality.

Do you know how I see hospitality? In addition to the dictionary that states the following:

• Meaning of Hospitality
• Action or effect of host; hosting.
• Characteristics of a hospitable person; quality of a place where there is good reception.
• Way of treating expressing kindness and friendliness.

I see the meaning of hospitality much deeper that the one mentioned in the dictionary, which greatly is connected to hosting, welcoming. On the spiritual side, I understand that hospitality is linked to the Offering, to surrendering, to the dedication = SACRIFICE.

Let us once again learn from Abraham. Note what is written, and that he is a clear example of hospitality and let’s make a connection with our life:

” The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground… “

1st point – When someone comes for the first time to the church, what is your attitude? Do you quickly go greet the person, or do you wait for them to approach you, so you can attend them?

And the excuses are many: Because I’m timid, because I don’t know how to greet, I get embarrassed, and so on. That way it becomes very complicated to show God through your life.

” He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant. “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.”

2nd Point – Do you go and meet the needs of those who you attend? Or do you simply offer the basics, i.e. you give advice in a common way, telling the person to make a chain of prayer, because God will bless? But you don’t go deep, giving the true food that they need. You only attend so that you can have a clear conscience. You can see that Abraham was attentive, he didn’t attend to them in any which way, but he went to the need, going right to the point, bluntly, being defined in his help.

“He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.”
(Genesis 18: 1-8)

3rd Place – Given the attitude of Abraham, we can understand that he paid all the necessary attention and that he did nothing halfway, but he stood by those angels—attentive to everything. It’s undoubtedly an OFFERING! And maybe you’re that assistant who meets and gives advises, but doesn’t accompany the person till the end, you don’t stay close to her, observing her development. That means that if you’re not having this hospitable spirit … than that’s a sign that something is not right within you—you must analyze your concepts and spiritual values.

Perhaps you might even say: But Luisa, Abraham served angels!
I ask you: Isn’t written:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  (Matthew 25:40)

I would like to know your thoughts about today’s article. Make your comment!