Spiritual exercise 28 April 2020

In Biblical times hospitality was regarded as an honour because you never knew if you would be hosting a meal for God’s Angels. In our reading this was so true because the “three strangers” were not mortals. A host was responsible for the safety and welfare of his guests and was expected to do his best to make the “strangers” feel welcome as Abraham did. He really pulled out all the stops by washing their feet and feeding them with fresh bread, butter, and meat. He also provided milk. The strangers then told Abraham that they would visit him again in a year’s time when Sarah would have a son. Abraham and Sarah at that time were quite old. No wonder Sarah laughed in disbelief. Then one of the “strangers” said to Abraham. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Abraham’s generosity and hospitality to three strangers proved to be a “recipe for success”.

Although we are in “lockdown” we can still bake and be generous to our neighbours/friends/children/companions. We can still contact one another, making sure others have enough to eat. We can share our delivery slots by adding groceries for people who are vulnerable and whose immunity have been compromised. We can offer to go and pick up medicine. We can still be like Abraham, making a difference in the lives of others. I hope, while you follow the “recipe” to make pizza dough, you will think of Abraham’s hospitality!

Amen