Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 NABRE
The letter to the Hebrews concludes with this thirteenth chapter. It has been a letter written to demonstrate that Christ’s sacrifice has qualified us to be a priestly people who can worship God with confidence by offering worship through Christ the High Priest. What is the worship we offer to god? Our whole life! The chapter opens by challenging us to continue mutual love, love for brother and sister. Next we are challenged to be hospitable, to show love even to strangers. Hospitality was a highly valued act in the time of Jesus and after, especially among the newly formed Christians. Welcoming the stranger is how we show what it means to love. Our hospitality allows strangers to travel from place to place sharing the message of Jesus and knowing they will find a welcome. Welcoming the stranger means giving them a place to sleep, food and removing any fear of being abandoned. Christian communities continue this hospitality today; monastery’s, convents, communities even churches are open to welcoming the stranger and showing them that Christ means love. The verse adds a motivation describing that it may be an angel visiting, implying a special reward for entertaining angels. This reminds us of Abraham’s visit of the three strangers under the mamre tree, setting a feast before them. Through these visitors, angels, a child is promised to Abraham (see Genesis 18:1-15.)
Hospitality is going beyond a handout, it means taking care of the person before you in need. Jesus always wants us to be the “Good Samaritan” (see Luke 10:25-37) when it comes to hospitality. Go above and beyond for the other, this is what Christians do.
How do you rate yourself when it comes to hospitality? Have you entertained angels?
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