Hospitality. To be appreciated.

In a previous parish I was part of a team of catechists that led the RCIA classes for people exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. It was there I learned a rather humbling lesson in hospitality. You see each catechist was responsible for their particular class — the room set-up, handouts, any audio/video needs — each teacher did their own thing if you will.

I remember when it was my turn to teach I took quite seriously the proper preparation of class room content. As for the room we would spend the next 90 minutes in, it was adequately prepared if the heat was on and the lights worked.

In contrast to this were the lessons taught by Sr. Anne Marie, our Pastoral Associate. Not only were her classes impeccably prepared but the room in which we would meet would always have something beautiful greeting us when we arrived. One week perhaps a burning candle safely placed in a nest of autumn leaves, another time perhaps a picture of some natural beauty or some person of nobility or dignity would greet us. And always there would be some small token of food and drink over which we would pause to eat and converse. You just felt good to be there. You felt appreciated.

I always thought, “Gee Sister this is really nice but you didn’t have to go to all the trouble.” She would only smile at me and keep up these special efforts. I am embarrassed to say that only now do I get it. Sr. Anne Marie was practicing the virtue of hospitality. And the power of this virtue does not lie in the donut holes or coffee served, rather it was in the care poured out upon those who would join her that day.

She was showing us by example how to honor people, how to create an environment that brings comfort and peace . . . why?. . . because you are a Child of God and her brother or sister in Christ. And believe me, you really felt it in her presence.

This is hospitality — treating one another as another Christ. And the wonderful thing about this virtue is that most often and most effective are the small things done out of love.

Things like:
** Smiling at the person in your pew as you take your seat. Giving a warm “hello” as we greet those around us at the beginning of mass. (They are there for the same reason you are . . . to try to find God in their life).

** Sing. Yes you. Sing. Do you recite the Happy Birth- day song at birthday parties? Of course not, you sing them. Should we give less than that to God and our neighbor? Do you see that not singing is in a way holding yourself back from joining the celebration?

** Learning someone’s name — even if you’ve failed 10 times before. What better way to honor someone than to know their name?

** Just showing up. You may not know this but people miss you when you aren’t there. Really! I’ve been asked many times by parishioners have you seen “so and so”? “I haven’t seen them in a few weeks. I hope they are well.”

** Join our greeter ministry. Welcome people at the doors of the church. It’s easy! (Stop at the Welcome Desk to find out how.)

** Being patient and understanding of a mother or father trying to calm a fussy child.

You are a good person. You know what to do. God bless you and have a wonderful week ahead.

Fr. Tim

PS. Coming to the picnic next Sunday?