On February 4, 2012 Holy Trinity was honored to celebrate World Day of Consecrated Life by hosting Sister Ruth from the IHMs.  She shared a reflection on Paul, Jesus and St Francis and how all three knew they were called to preach because of the time all three spent in prayer.  She reminded us of a quote by St. Francis, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”  She continued her reflection with the 3 Aspects of Hospitality:

1.       Welcome

2.       Storytelling

3.       Mission

Welcoming:

When giving a party most of us invite our family and friends; however, what would happen if we invited a stranger, the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the homeless?  When we welcome them into our home with God they too may know God.

This means I should welcome them as a receiver by being accepting of them as they are, give them the space to be who they are, be open to receive the Gift God is giving me through this person that I have welcomed into my home. 

Storytelling:

We all have stories of pain and misery to tell, stories of courage and faith, joys and triumphs.  We must create the environment where everyone can share their story.  We need to be willing to listen and receive their stories, by doing this we give them a chance to give their stories voice.  We must be flexible and open to receive their story.  We need to believe that the stranger has something to tell us. 

Those who live consecrated life take vows of dedication to many people instead of just one person in marriage.  The dedicated themselves to welcoming and storytelling with all people.

Mission:

We are all called to preach the gospel and to grow in holiness.  The heart of hospitality is for the giver and the receiver to be changed through their relationship.  Hospitality is really about stories listened to and dreams nurtured to become reality. 

These 3 aspects are the heart of being a disciple; for we are all called to preach the Gospel with our lives, to have open hearts, to smile, to welcome all into our hearts and live justly with all people.

These are the reflections I received from Sister Ruth’s message.   While I cannot tell you word for word what she said this is what I took from it.  I pray that I am not too far off in the message she was trying to give and if I am it is me and not her error.  She also shared with us the parable of the pencil maker which is another story for another day.