Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 13Let mutual love continue. Verse 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Verse 3Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Verse 4Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Verse 5Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Verse 6So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Verse 7Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Verse 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Verse 15Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Verse 16Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Devotion
Have you ever been in a phone conversation where the other person is simultaneously checking e-mail? Our culture celebrates multi-tasking. By contrast, the Christian practice of hospitality demands a singular focus. The author of Hebrews reminds us: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.” Christine Pohl’s extraordinary book, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition concludes that, after giving food and drink, the most important thing we can give another is our full attention. To welcome the stranger, the lonely, we need to listen attentively to their stories. Even if it’s only a brief encounter, giving someone our focused attention communicates incredible welcome.
The Benedictines, known for their hospitality, suggest that at the end of each day we are faced with two basic questions: “Did we see Christ in other people? Did they see Christ in us?”
These are good questions – for lives of hospitality, lives of discipleship.
Prayer
Loving God, you graciously welcome me as your beloved child. Grant me strength and wisdom, that I might extend genuine hospitality and attentiveness to those whom I meet this day. Amen.