The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25A), Oct. 23, 2005

BCP: Exodus 22:21-27; Psalm 1; 1 Thess. 2:1-8; Matt. 22:34-46

RCL: Deut. 34:1-12 or Lev. 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 or Psalm 1; 1 Thess. 2:1-8; Matt. 22:34-46

If hospitality means more than a scheduled barbecue with close friends, then it will move us into territories that are bothersome and disruptive. That is where these lessons take us. Given the needs today and the models from other parts of the world, we have much to learn.

The Lord reminds us that hospitality means to love our neighbor as ourselves. We read of three times for hospitality — serving the resident alien, the poor, and the traveling Christian minister. We have all three in our lives, especially at this moment.

The resident aliens are displaced persons who live here but whose homeland is far away — like Muslim students or refugees. They are now in their holiest month, Ramadan. No eating or drinking while the sun is up. They do feast at least twice in the nighttime, but the fact remains, during these 28 days when we see them, they are hungry and grumpy.

Hospitality that loves them as ourselves would bring us into conversation with them about this sacred month. What lies behind it? Why is it so important in Islam? What is the customary meal in their culture at sunset? And would they come to our home for such a meal?

The poor have nothing. God is watching over both them and also those who can help. His eye is on the thousands who left their New Orleans or coastal Mississippi communities with nothing but a tank of gas, a container of belongings, and cash on hand. His eye is also on those of us who can help.

Certainly we can send things and money through channels of churches and other contacts. Can we — should we — do more? Like invite them in? For more than one night? More than a week?

Paul was an itinerant minister who faced suffering and persecution before landing in Thessalonica. We all know itinerant ministers. Have you ever been on a short-term mission trip? Have one or two of your hosts ever returned the favor and come to visit you – as itinerant ministers? They had such an easy time pushing everything aside to make us so welcome for so many days. And we — well, our calendars push us around.

Hospitality done well will upset plans and schedules. But maybe in the shuffle and rearrangement, this hospitality will cause us to reflect on lifestyles and priorities. Maybe these opportunities can move us to where such hospitality is neither bothersome or disruptive, but rewarding and uplifting.

Look It Up

If giving is more blessed than receiving, where do we find instances of hospitality more satisfying than bothersome? How about Zacchaeus, Matthew and Mary?

Think About It

What Muslim acquaintance can I speak with about Ramadan? Where in the Qur’an is Ramadan discussed?

Next Sunday

The 24th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26A), Oct. 30, 2005

BCP: Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thess. 2:9-13,17-20; Matt. 23:1-12

RCL: Josh. 3:7-17 or Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 or Psalm 43; 1 Thess. 2:9-13; Matt. 23:1-12