February 20/First Tuesday of Lent
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. ~ Ps 34.4
A friendly “hello” to visitors after Mass. A weekly church supper that draws seniors, neighbors, and students from the nearby college campus. A colorful banner hoisted on the church portico welcoming visitors to the religious services within. These are but a few ways in which we “glorify the LORD” with one another, by extending the hand of hospitality and welcoming others to our faith community. But true Christian hospitality entails more than just sharing a cup of coffee or raising a banner. It calls us to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the lives of others. Regardless of where we live, there is so much need in our immediate surroundings, so many ways we can serve as vessels of the overflowing and generous hospitality embodied by Christ. We might bring a meal to new parents, or run errands for a bereaved family, or visit those bound to their homes by age or illness. And we can pray, everywhere and often, for everyone we encounter, silently distributing what the 20th-century spiritual writer Richard Foster called “flash prayers” that envelop others in a quick blessing of love (this is surprisingly effective with those who may have offended us, friend and stranger alike – I sometimes try it with a rude cashier or aggressive driver). As Pope Francis has said, “A reassuring word, an embrace that makes us feel understood. . . A prayer that makes us stronger. . . All these things express God’s closeness through the consolation offered by our brothers and sisters.” If we are truly to extol God’s name, we must also extend ourselves at every opportunity to help this hurting world. The law of the LORD is the law of love, and hospitality, and caring. Let us follow this law in the days to come.
Lord, Make my hand the hand of welcome, make my heart the heart of kindness, and imbue in me the grace of hospitality. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022024.cfm
To hear a 1966 rendition of “They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love,” click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQyLHi_X83s
