Jan Richardson, an artist who maintains a blog in which she reflects on the upcoming Sundays readings, had a remarkable thing to say this week about hospitality. She was reflecting on the story of the unnamed Shunammite woman that shows hospitality to the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-37). In recognition of her act of generosity, Elisha prays (successfully) for her to have a child despite old age. Jan writes:
I think of the Shunammite woman as I ponder Jesus’ words about how those who welcome a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Which at first doesn’t hold a lot of appeal, given the usual “rewards” bestowed upon prophets. For their efforts, they are dangerously prone to imprisonment. Beheading. Crucifixion. Slaughter by various methods. But in the land of Shunem, a woman welcomed a prophet with a room, a bed, a table, a chair, a lamp. Looking for no reward, the woman provided a sacred space for a holy man. And within the space of her own self, an unexpected child began to grow.
It’s a strange economy, this kind of hospitality. We can’t know what we will set in motion when we offer some space to the ones whom Jesus tells us to welcome. We offer a cup of cold water, or a place to rest, or an extra room, or a corner of our heart; we cede some precious territory to one who comes with a word from God; we open ourselves to remembering who it is God put us here to be, and all of a sudden, we’re carrying something we never expected to carry. Maybe it’s not a literal child, as it was for the Shunammite woman. But this kind of hospitality always makes room for new life to take root in us and to come through us in ways that we can’t predict. That’s part of the strange economy, the curious ecosystem of hospitality: open a space to the holy stranger, and God creates a sacred space within our own selves. An extra room in our own souls. A place for God to grow. (source)
Hospitality is something we offer not just because it's a "good" thing to do, or even because God tells us to do it. Hospitality is something that transforms us into being more God-like, as it was God who made the ultimate gesture of hospitality in the creation of the world. A world created to accommodate us. When accommodate others with generosity of heart and wealth, we imitate the God of creation.
Let us, beloved, therefore outdo one another in showing honor and mutual affection (Romans 12:10). This is, too, is our calling as followers of Christ.
Gracious God, you created a world for us, your children. Help us to show hospitality that we, too, may accommodate others. Fill us with love for our neighbors and the courage to make room for them out the blessings you have given us. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
-t
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