We are the harvest. Christ gave us a choice: be part of his laborers or be part of the wolves.

We live in a culture that rewards with status and accumulation. We sit comfortably in our homes and offices, some fat with ego, pride, and a paycheck not to be shared. Many of us heard a knock on the door and chose not to answer.

How many of us refuse to turn our finger toward ourselves, pointing out the prideful character that drives us? We pretend to make others comfortable, but all the while looking for ways to maintain our own comfort. Many of us who claim to be disciples of Christ refuse to see the wolf in ourselves.

The early disciples were sent. They did not go from house to house looking for handouts. They peacefully looked for hospitable families to help them on their journey. They accepted the diverse cultures and foods of the people they found willing to give them rest.

Homes, which housed the new disciples of God, did as the Gospel says we should do, serve and open our homes and hearts. The Eucharist does not ask us to characterize those we should and should not welcome. It is not our place! In the words of St. Peter Julian Eymard, “How kind is our Sacramental Jesus. He welcomes you at any hour of the day or night…….”

Prayer:

Lord, give us the strength to ask ourselves – are we truly welcoming, or are we performing hospitality while guarding our comfort? Help us to welcome those we do not know to our table, where there will always be room for one more.