"Joy and the Practice of Hospitality"

A Prayer to Activate our Faith

We find Truth in Jesus.

Being found in human form,

            He emptied himself of all but love.

Like him, we seek to lift people up,

            assuming a posture of servanthood among us all.

We pray that our practice of humility

helps to break down barriers of human hostility.

 

We find Joy in Jesus.

He made room for others

            and invited all people into the sacred spaces of love.

Like him, we seek to create safe spaces for others,

            turning enemies into friends.

We pray that our practice of hospitality

            helps build bridges and tears down walls.

 

We find Peace in Jesus.

He embraced a mission of love,

            caring for all and restoring God’s world.

Like him, we seek to partner with God

            in the recovery of God’s vision of shalom.

We pray that our practice of healing

            helps to restore peace with justice everywhere.

 

We find Love in Jesus.

He demonstrated the fullest possible extent

            of the love of God and neighbor.

Like him, we seek to live a life of faith

            working by love leading to holiness.

We pray that our practice of holiness

            helps others to discover their true identity

            as the beloved children of God.

 

We embrace the holistic and all-inclusive vision

            Of God’s restoration of beloved community.  

 

Our scripture today is from Matthew, chapter 25 verses 34-40 from the Common English Bible.

34 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. 35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.' 37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.'

 

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Discussion Questions

1. How has Matthew 25 shaped your life? Have you ever found Jesus in the people you served?

2. When did someone offer you hospitality? How did you feel?

3. Who are the "others" in your life and what do you fear about them?

4 Think of a time you offered someone hospitality, or made space for them at your table. Did doing so bring you joy?

 

Practice the concept of "embrace" in this week to come. 

Open your arms. Wait. Close your arms. Open them again.