Father Daniel Berrigan shares these
ancient Welsh laws of hospitality:
- “Three
things which, according to politeness, should be prepared for guests: a
kind and affectionate reception, a ready and handsome provision and a
friendly conversation.”
- “Three
things which, according to politeness, should not be asked of a guest:
where he came from, his worldly condition, and the place of his
destination.”1
Hospitality is among the most
ancient of human traditions. On the most basic level, it’s about providing the
essentials of life for another person, especially another person who’s on a
journey. Food, water and a roof over the head: the essentials.
But it’s about more than that. The
offering of hospitality brings two people, guest and host, closer. They make a
connection.
Many of us contribute to charitable
causes, especially those that aid the needy. As we sign the check or click
“enter” to send a contribution electronically, we feel we’ve done our part to
ease some of the world’s woes.
But that’s not the same as what
Jesus recommends in Matthew 10, verse 42: “... whoever gives even a cup of cold
water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple — truly I tell you,
none of these will lose their reward.”
Jesus is advocating a true hands-on
mission experience. Don’t just send money, keeping the needy at arms’ length,
he’s saying. Get right in there and help God’s suffering children with your own
two hands. “... whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little
ones ....”
Just a cup of water: how ordinary!
But a cup of cold water handed over personally to a person who’s thirsting for
it: that’s extraordinary!
The
Lord’s travel guide
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