Trinity and the Ministry of Hospitality

Saint Benedict, writing in the sixth century, notes that a monastery is never without guests, and admonishes monks to “receive all guests as Christ.” Monk have been quick to recognize that such hospitality, while undoubtedly a blessing can also create burdens for them. A story said to originate from a Russian Orthodox monastery has an older monk telling a younger one: “I have finally learned to accept people as they are. Whatever they are in the world, a prostitute, a prime minister, it is all the same to me. But sometimes I see a stranger coming up the road and I say, ‘Oh, Jesus Christ, is it you again?’”

from Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, by Kathleen Norris, 191.

 

The sacred art of Hospitality is among the oldest and most important spiritual practices of the Christian church born out of its even older cultural value in the ancient Near East. Those who followed the teachings of Jesus saw that the expectations for hosts and guests were more than a strategy for survival in a hostile world. They are a call to recognize and receive God with Us, to grow closer to Christ, and indeed to become more like Christ who dwells within us.

As the Rev. Nanette Sawyer describes in her book Hospitality—the Sacred Art (SkyLight Paths, 2008), the ministry of hospitality is an invitation to radical receptivity, reverence, and generosity. Each of these three practices are in themselves lifelong disciplines: readying ourselves to invite others into our lives, our homes, and ultimately our hearts; recognizing and welcoming the presence of someone new and whatever unexpected gifts they may bring; expressing love and grace through acts of care and nurture. Hospitality is not just providing for the physical needs of others, it is a way of being in the world that anticipates seeking and serving Christ in all persons (BCP, 305).

Hospitality has always been among the highest values at Trinity. We know that sacred hospitality is more than a beautiful table-scape or impressive meal. It is the heart of the Christian life that recognizes, celebrates, and honors God in all things and all people. Hospitality is an opening of ourselves, making space for whatever the Holy Spirit brings into our midst, and responding with love, joy, and wonder. Hospitality always involves some measure of risk, because the Holy Spirit rarely leaves us unchanged, but we have the courage of our faith in a God who is eternal and unchanging.

So let us all give thanks to God and those ministers of our church who demonstrate God’s love and grace by tending to the physical, spiritual, and emotional care of all who come through our doors. These ministers are bakers and dishwashers, event planners and chair setter-uppers, greeters and pew-mates who help folks find their place in the hymnal. Watch this space for future descriptions and celebrations not only of beloved, long-time coffee hour sponsors and greeters, but emerging hospitality ministries for newcomers and for our preschool families. And let us also ask God to deepen our own practice of hospitality in our lives, in our church, and in the world.

 

In peace,