Thursday, December 24, 2015

Matthew 1:18-25 

Handing out gifts at St. John's Rehab

Mary was called by God to provide hospitality for the Messiah at great risk to herself, for she could have been stoned to death for the sin of adultery. Joseph was called by God to provide room in his heart for Mary, to give her a home and the protection of his name. He was risking his own reputation for the sake of Mary. How are we being called to provide hospitality in our time and place when so many people are homeless or don’t feel they belong? -- over 20 million refugees seeking a place of safety; LBGT’s still seeking acceptance; aboriginal people seeking a sense of belonging to their own culture; young people seeking meaningful work related to their level of education; elderly people desiring to feel useful.

We too are being called to find room in our hearts for God — Emmanuel: To see Christ in those who are hungry and thirsty; to welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and those in prison. Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” As we reach out in love and compassion to those around us, we are providing hospitality to those in need; we are ministering to Christ and at the same time being Christ’s hands and feet to the lost and the lonely.

Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas