The Importance of Hospitality
As we progress through the Lenten period in preparation for a glorious Easter celebration, we may be missing some special items from our diet. In my case, chocolate, which is the most obvious thing for me to be abstaining from as, sadly, it’s the only treat that I truly struggle to be without. In the olden days, Catholic cookbooks contained two categories: ‘fat days’ when no fasting or abstinence was required and ‘meagre days’ which speak for themselves.
So many of us enjoy sharing treats and meals with family, friends and acquaintances. I read a recent report which highlighted the fact that in the United States, and possibly the UK, family meals, and with them, family conversation, have dropped alarmingly with huge, proven, adverse consequences. It was suggested that, in addition to ‘the family that prays together, stays together’ we should add ‘the family that dines together shines together.
Sometimes just sitting down with family or friends for cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat is so comforting. Hospitality is so important in our lives. The dictionary defintion for ‘hospitality’ is ‘the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors.’ Right across our Ministry Area, we have developed this skill of hospitality to a superior level. We welcome guests and visitors to our church services, social activities, coffee mornings, lunches, teas, suppers, pop up cafes and so much more.
You will recall that, since Advent, as a Ministry Area we have been focusing on the ‘four key cultural pillars’ of Prayerfulness, Evangelism, Hospitality and Generosity, the focus, throughout March being on Hospitality.
From January 13th until March 24th, the Alpha course was taking place within the Ministry Area. Each week, approximately 20 of us ate, worshipped, prayed and talked together, albeit whilst the wonderful MA Wardens, Mandy and Jo, served, cleared and washed dishes!
We were so warmly, and hospitably, welcomed to Nolton Rectory by Reverend Mark and Jess, and starting the session with a shared meal was so special and has given rise to many new friendships and shared confidences.
During the St. David’s Day Alpha weekend, there were many memorable experiences but, for me, and I suspect others, the simple shared Holy Communion session at the pre-lunch table was extremely meaningful and moving. There was a comment that it was reminiscent of the Last Supper and the Lord’s Supper is a true sign of hospitality to which we are all warmly welcomed.
So, as we journey towards our Ministry Area Easter celebrations, and beyond, may we always continue to be aware of the importance of hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2 we read ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.’
