This line from Saint Paul’s letter to the Hebrews: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it, some have entertained angels.” I am sure many of us have entered a gathering in which many people were unfamiliar to us, and how relieved you were when someone walked up to us and welcomed us. The same might be true when on vacation, you walk into a church in which you have never been, and a greeter or parishioner comes up to you to warmly welcome you.

Hospitality is a virtue that ought to be a hallmark of any Blessed Sacrament Community. Father Eymard, when seeking approval from the Archbishop of Paris for the approbation of the Congregation, was at first met with resistance. The archbishop did not want another contemplative community. When Father Eymard countered that he was not purely contemplative but would welcome priests who were in trouble, seek out poor children, and catechize them for their First Communion, the Archbishop’s attitude softened.

Hospitality is enshrined in the Rule of Life and the Project of Life for Associates. The celebration of the Eucharist feeds us to go out and see the living Christ in all our brothers and sisters. We reach out in compassion, solidarity, and hospitality. “Every community that celebrates the Eucharist is called through a radical conversion to challenge sin and its structures and proclaim the hope of a new world.” Rule of Life #37.

There are many men, women, children, refugees, unhoused, hungry, lost in addiction or mental illness, or simply lonely in need of a shoulder and a caring ear. These are the souls that need our hospitality, care, and love. You have entertained not only angels but also the incarnated Body of Christ.

Let Us Pray:

Lord God of heaven and earth, all of us are your children, the poor and the rich, the powerful and the weak, the immigrant and the citizen, the happy and the lonely, people of many races. You love us all. You all call us all to be hospitable to all who are lonely, poor, and disenfranchised. Give us an abundance of grace to be signs of hope and peace by our love to all who need us. Amen.