Homily: “Hospitality”- Lk. 12: 32-48

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Lk. 12:32-48) “Hospitality”

How do we act like Christians?  C.S. Lewis said once that the way to become a Christian is to act like one.  If we consciously try to act like a Christian, one day we will wake up and find that we are. 

We probably feel like praying is an important part of acting like a Christian.  We need to pray privately, and we need to participate in the liturgy.  If we aren’t conversing with God, we are going to find it hard to be motivated to live our Christian life.  Another part of living out our Christian vocation is to engage in works of charity whether we are feeding the hungry or comforting the grieving.

One aspect of being a Christian that we might never equate with following Jesus is hospitality.  But if we look at the Scriptures, we find that the ministry of hospitality is mentioned quite often. 

I recently went back to the seminary where I was educated, and I was reminded about the importance of hospitality.  I attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.  The seminary is owned by the Benedictines.  If one knows anything about the rule of St. Benedict, then you know that hospitality was very important to Benedict. 

Benedict said once that we are to welcome everyone who comes to our door as if they were Christ.  At Benedictine monasteries one of the most important positions is that of guest master.  The guest master greets visitors and makes sure that they have a place to stay and that their needs are cared for. If the person cannot pay, they stay for free.  Why?  Because they are an embodiment of Christ.

Jesus speaks of masters and servants in the Gospel passage we read today.  He speaks of the master returning when we least expect it.  We are reminded this Sunday that Jesus comes to our door as a visitor often.  Do we recognize him, and do we show him hospitality?  This is an important part of being a disciple.

Reflection Questions:

1.  Who was the last person that came to my door?  How did I treat that person?

2.  Have I been treated well when I went to the door of a stranger?  How did that make me feel?

Dear Parishioner,

        On Monday August 15th, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.  We remember on this day that Mary, at the time of her death was assumed into eternal life.  She followed the path that Jesus trod when he died.  She lives for all eternity.  We remember also that we one day will share in the resurrection.  We need not fear death for it will lead to life with God forever.  This is a very reassuring feast day.  I hope that you can come and celebrate it.

        This year the Feast of the Assumption is not a day of obligation.  Whenever this feast falls on a Saturday or Monday then there is not an obligation to attend Mass.  It is still very important to do so, if possible.  We will be adding a 6:30 a.m. Mass on the Feast of the Assumption so that more people might be able to come to worship.

        Holy Days remind us that time is sacred, and some days are more sacred than others.  When we make a sacrifice to attend Mass on a Holy Day, we are witness to the importance of faith in our life.

        May Our Lady of Peace pray for our troubled world today.

        Fr. Mark