Our son, Blake, is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. During one visit we discovered “The McCutchen House” right on the “Horseshoe” of campus, a lovely, open green space. It is a part of the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. Students who are studying to be chefs, owners of clubs, and those majoring in Hospitality Management are able to work in this lovely, charming Southern gem.
The service was gracious and attentive and the food was outstanding, not to mention reasonable. As I was leaving I found myself thinking, “You can practice on me any day….that was amazing!”
As a Christian what does it mean to embrace and practice radical hospitality? The Benedictine monks seem to understand this, both in theory and practice. Several years ago I attended a seminar at a Benedictine monastery. Within ten minutes of my arrival, I happy that I was there. The welcome was genuine; the food was delightful. I felt as if I was among old friends yet I had just met these gracious people. They exceeded my expectations in every way.
What would happen if we as God’s representatives in the world exceeded the expectations of each person who came through the doors of our homes and our churches? For the month of September we will be exploring what it means to be a person of hospitality in the world and in the Church. We can be part of the transforming love of God as strangers become friends, friends become disciples, and disciples change the world.
May God richly bless you this week and always!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy