Fr. Tom's Thoughts

The foundation of the Christian life is hospitality.  We are called to welcome God in our lives and to welcome those in need.  The message of Jesus is so clear about it.  The woman in the first reading is a reflection of what God expects, and we see the reward of her hospitality.  By having a child, her future was more secure.  A child ensure that she would not have to beg and rely on strangers.  God’s hospitality is like that for us.  He welcomes us into his divine life and only asks us to love him.  God’s hospitality is so generous that it gives us life and security.  He opens his heart and has a “room” there for us to rest and be refreshed.

Jesus in the Gospel reminds us that the hospitality that God has for us, we must share with those around us, especially those whom society casts away, sees as weak and vulnerable and those who only have God to depend on.  In the Old Testament, this was a key requirement of the covenant that was made with the people and God on Sinai.  They were told to remember that they were once slaves and treat others with radical hospitality.    This is also a mandate of the covenant that God made with us on Calvary.  So many people are hungry for something more and thirsty for God whether they know it or not.  It is our responsibility to feed them and give them a drink of the cool water of God’s compassion and peace.

 Here in our communities, we are good at feeding those who need physical food and nourishment; but how good are we at feeding someone else spiritually? Look at the number of people who are obsessed with wealth, stuff, power, prestige, etc.  They are trying to feed the innate hunger we all have for God.  How do we feed ourselves spiritually?  We are starving for God and thirst for his presence even we practice the faith and stay on the surface.  We will be less likely to share the food of God’s love and the gentle balm of his Spirit.  Sometimes, we need others to feed us, and give is something to drink.  We are all poor somehow. 

So, my brothers and sisters, let us take this Sabbath day and rest in the Lord who will feed us with His Presence here and he will give us His Spirit to drink.  The shopping can wait until tomorrow, the grass will still be, and the errands may not be that important.  Take the time and rest in the Lord and let him fill the empty spaces of your life.  Then, we can go forth and bring the food of His love to others and offer those who need the water of his peace.