St Benedict would have us receive all guests with the honour we would give to Christ, since he is indeed being received in them. This is precisely the honour we see Abraham giving: leaving his shady retreat to run out into the oppressive heat, addressing his potential guests with oriental courtesy, inviting them to rest in the shade he had been enjoying, while his household prepare a feast for them.
The dialogue indicates a deep mystery: there are three guests who speak at the beginning of the narrative, suggestive of the Blessed Trinity, but then it is the Lord who makes the promise of the birth of Abraham’s son. The first stage of the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham is announced: a posterity as numerous as the stars of heaven, progeny to shine as lights in the firmament. It is reward of his faith.
The Gospel shows us Jesus as the guest of two sisters who are not in harmony. Martha, who invited Jesus, is the busy one, and would have Mary helping her. Jesus’ reply to Martha’s complaint is a gentle suggestion to Martha to take on board something of Mary’s attention to him. He is, after all, the Teacher, and Mary’s attention to him is the most appropriate response to his presence. Martha welcomed Jesus into her house, but it is her sister who has the perception of what will give their guest the most pleasure, and what will be of greatest benefit to her. Domestic harmony calls for great respect for the way those around us respond to God’s call.
Hospitality is a very wonderful virtue. Exercising it deepens our humanity and brings us closer to one another and to God, preparing in a small way for that great in-gathering, the banquet of heaven. Let us pray today above all that the wounded and frightened people who are on the road may find a welcome and a worthy home.
Hospitality is particularly associated with the Holy Spirit who is the dulcis Hospes Animae, the delightful guest of the soul of every one of the baptized. The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit gives us our dignity: we are children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit, heirs to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the abiding guest who enables us to prepare fittingly for the Eucharistic presence of Our Lord, to celebrate this presence and to give thanks for it.
We are surely taught both how to offer and how to receive hospitality by the Holy Spirit. When we are in other monasteries, St Benedict would have us be content with things as they are, and to show gratitude. Gratitude is also appropriate when we see anyone absorbed in the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.