Hospitality and presence

Luke 10 : 38 - 42

Mary was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to his Word...

Martha was distracted with all her preparations...

I reflected on this gospel story some time ago in terms of "being and doing". This passage comes up in the lectionary reading for today. As I read this now, I am struck by what it tells me about hospitality and presence.

I have never felt that I have the gift of hospitality (one of the spiritual gifts on some inventories). I am not a good cook and have never had a well kept home - very basic and functional is my style! When there are more than two guests, I prefer that we go out to eat. I don't think I have cooked for more than four guests at a time! And that already left me quite distracted, even with careful planning.

Hospitality as I see it now is more than being able to prepare a lavish spread for large numbers of guests. Yes, it would be lovely to share good food and conversation with others. But I have experienced times when, invited to a dinner, I find the host too distracted to spend time connecting with me. And my main purpose was actually to connect, rather than to just fill my physical hunger. Nowadays, I find that the food can even be a distraction and barrier to really connecting.

The Martha we meet here certainly got caught up in food preparation in the kitchen. She was so distracted that she even grew cross at her sister Mary for being uncooperative and lazy. I see here how her earnest desire to host a friend well has turned out not as the guest might hope for. Jesus truly seemed to value the company of Mary, who provided hospitality in a different way. Hers was the offering of attentive presence to her guest. I believe this is a gift most of us would be able to give to others, regardless off whether we have large homes or are good cooks or not. It is a real gift of ourselves we give to others just by being with them, attentively present, listening to them in love and welcoming them into our hearts, not only our homes.

Over the years, I have been on the receiving end of spiritual hospitality, as I might call this form of hosting. I have received the gift of attentiveness and presence whenever someone 'listens me into be-ing'. God does that for me of course. But at times he has sent another human being to give flesh to that. I am truly grateful and I believe that in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment, I am learning to play host to others, giving as the Lord has generously given to me. Hospitality and presence are important words in the vocabulary of Christian spirituality. Our God is one who welcomes us to abide in him and to make our home in him. He is always present and attentive to each one of us...his beloved children. Can we do any less for those he brings our way?