By Tarsish Marak csc –
Readings: Gal 1:13-24; Lk 10:38-42
The readings of the day invite me to develop hospitality. Hospitality is one of the most important skills for social life, which includes welcoming, listening, and being with guests or strangers. Through hospitality, we know how much a person is ready to offer
himself/herself to others.
In the first reading, Paul was accepted by the unknown people. Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus was welcomed by the family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Today, Jesus asks me to be open to the people who need and ask for help. Many times, I have failed to accept others and even said no to helping them as I thought of them as a hindrance for me. Paul was a considered as a persecutor of Christianity and only much later was he welcomed by the people of many countries as he preached the gospel and shared the joy of his experience of Christ.
Today Jesus demands that I listen and learn to welcome the people that I may have hesitated to in the past. Though I may not have things to give, my presence and the way I behave can bring positivity to the people around me. I can only make them happy by being with them and listening to their problems and pain that they go through. This is what hospitality is all about. Hospitality does not mean only welcoming people in our houses; but also, being with people. My relationship with my colleagues at the workplace and serving those who need help is great hospitality. Accepting and welcoming others is an act of hospitality.