Imagine the setting sun casting long shadows as a lone traveler approaches, seeking shelter at a monastery gate. His clothes are worn, his brow marked with the lines of a long journey. To St. Benedict, he wouldn't merely be a weary guest—he would embody the very image of Christ. This profound belief guides Benedictine hospitality, which invites us to see the divine in every person who crosses our threshold.
Our Rule of St. Benedict instructs us, "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ," grounding this practice in Jesus' own words: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35). Benedict offers clear guidance on hospitality: extending it with prayer, humility, genuine kindness, and selfless service.
Our Rule of St. Benedict instructs us, "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ," grounding this practice in Jesus' own words: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35).
Scripture mirrors these instructions, calling us to "show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9) and to practice love of the stranger, remembering that some have "entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality marks a true follower of Christ who acts with goodness, self-control, and righteousness (Titus 1:8). St. Benedict envisions hospitality not merely as a duty, but as a profound blessing, promising potential encounters with the divine and rewards in the life to come (Luke 14:14).
True Benedictine hospitality goes far beyond a warm welcome for anticipated guests. It embodies a lifetime of practices that reshape how we encounter others. This may encompass offering unexpected aid, showing true acceptance to those society might shun, or a deep, non-judgmental listening that honors an individual's journey. Each of these transcends typical social graces.
True Benedictine hospitality goes far beyond a warm welcome for anticipated guests. It embodies a lifetime of practices that reshape how we encounter others.
For Benedictines, hospitality is a means of opening our hearts to the mystery of God, present in each and every person. It's a living act of discipleship, following the path Christ walked when he embraced those excluded and shared meals with outcasts (Luke 15:2). True hospitality has the power to transform both the giver and the receiver.
The Heart of Hospitality: A Benedictine Sister's Stories
Imagine the warmth of a welcoming smile, the comfort of a shared meal, the transformative power of a listening ear. Sr. Lorane, a member of St. Martin's Monastery in Rapid City, SD, shares her stories. Prepare to be inspired as you discover how small acts of kindness can hold profound meaning.
A Call to Reflection
How can we embody this Christ-centered hospitality in our own lives? Consider the stranger, the overlooked, or someone radically different than yourself. What would it mean to offer them even a small gesture born from the spirit of the Rule?
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