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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Rev Lynne Gibson

Good morning.

As I wrestle with the bigger issues of parish life, I sometimes wonder how much time we spend talking about brands of biscuits and biodegradable cups. Fellowship and friendship is deeply rooted in church life, and has always been inextricably linked with food. And yet, hospitality as an expression of our very identity runs more deeply and reaches more widely than a smile at the door and a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Hospitality as ‘an expression of who we are’ is even more than the warmth of our welcome, and perhaps more like our solidarity with others, even those who may not look like us or share our experiences.

In Ireland, north and south, we pride ourselves on our hospitality. It’s never a problem to put another teabag in the pot or set another place at the table. Every culture is similar, with a welcome to the table for friend and stranger alike. The New Testament is full of stories of welcome and hospitality.

Jesus, an itinerant preacher with his ragtag band of disciples, incurred the judgement and even disgust of the religious authorities, as he ate and drank in the homes of the most unlikely and unsuitable of characters. It wasn’t about the food, or even the fellowship but rather about sitting comfortably with strangers, those beyond our doors and beyond our experience.

Hospitality is about offering God’s back to everyone. It means taking a long hard look at where our doors slam shut, our invitations are withheld and our welcome is just for those already inside enjoying the party.

Generous God, teach us to open our doors, our minds and our hearts, and to sit, as Jesus sat, with those whom we least know and who need us most. Amen