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July 18, 2010 |
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Genesis 18: 1-10a
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on--since you have come to your servant.”
So they said, “Do as you have said.”
And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?”
And he said, “There, in the tent.”
Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.”
Luke 10: 38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
How Do I Receive?
Hospitality is a critically important factor in what is being considered in today’s reflection. In both, the Genesis and Lukan stories, hospitality is at issue; Abraham receiving his surprise guests, and Martha and Mary receiving Jesus.
This is more than just welcoming with friendly salutations and pleasantries. There is substance and sacrifice, altruism and attitude at work here. I believe that when a “visitor” appears, an excellent opportunity has presented itself. In this context, in actuality the host becomes the primary beneficiary, not the guest. It is in the nature and quality of our bringing the guest into our world, that we prepare and position ourselves for the receiving of untold abundance. Hospitality purely for hospitality’s sake can become mechanical and meaningless exercises in superficial cordialities. Plus, there often is a hint of necessity and obligation in the mix. Impressing and ingratiating “the guest” with generous portions of amenities, and proactively anticipating needs and desires are displays of aggressive hospitality and initiative.
Here we have the “Golden Rule” to the n-th degree; treat the guest over, above, and beyond how you or I would like, or hope to be treated. This is what is exemplified by Abraham, as well as Martha. In that way, if and when our turn should come around to become the guest, we might receive similar graciousness.
But then Jesus declares, Mary has chosen the better part. Yes, hospitality can be a wonderful show of affection and appreciation. But if the show becomes a “show”, our “guest” has not been properly and fully received. Independent of the quid pro quo aspects, there is the critical recognition that there is value, infinite value, to the very presence of “the guest.” No telling just how long the sojourn will be; so while the opportunity presents itself, the most should be made of the time.
Who is neighbor, who is the stranger, who is the unexpected guest at the door, or on the street? How do I receive them? Do I recognize the gifts that they bring, the blessings that they bestow? Do I value their presence even more than my presents? It’s not so much what we do as it is the way we do what we do. It seems as though Martha placed more value on the process and the processing, and unintentionally under-valued the presence of the person. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet with openness, eagerness, excitement, and gratefulness. She received him; the best welcome he could have hoped for. In our homes, in our interpersonal relationships, even in our churches, the question is begged. How do we receive . . . one another? . . .the Holy Spirit?
