A Simple Gift

Over the last few days, I’ve been reflecting on hospitality. 

I’m reminded of an older nun I met years ago who had served all over the world. I met her at a Catholic retreat center in Europe, and I felt immediately drawn to her. She had this presence about her, and she really took the time to get to know each guest personally. She was curious about us and you could tell she was interested.

I was there with a group of students – most of us studying to be pastors. She reminded us that the greatest gift you can another person – is to listen to them. Not the kind of listening you do, while you’re sharpening your own opinion, or while you’re thinking of what you’re going to say next. But to be a non-judgmental presence – to be generous with your listening, generous with your understanding. If you can do that with those who are different from you – or who may see the world differently, it is a true gift.

In an interview I once heard the philosopher John O’Donohue claim that there is a hunger in everyone’s spirit to be seen, to be loved, and to be accepted as you are, without being judged. But we offer each other these spaces less and less these days. It’s to the point where we are just starved for community… 

There is a lot of opportunity for even a little hospitality.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see you in the eyes of others. May we care for them as you care for us. Amen.