ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
September 30, 2021
Do you know someone who is exceptional at welcoming? Do you know someone who has that special capacity to make a moment feel wide and inclusive, warm and hospitable? There are those who have that Spiritual Gift, an innate ability to create space where concerns of rejection or exclusion are not present. We think of Jesus as the one who welcomed, and he did, but in Luke 10:38, we read: “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, a traditional act of hospitality that would have included food, water, washing of feet and a place to rest. It has made me ponder the question: How well do I welcome Jesus into my life? Do I make sure he has everything he needs, and as the guest, is he served before I am? Do I treat him, not as family, but truly as an honored guest? I wonder if I have ever left Jesus just outside, sitting under the porch… waiting?
My heart, Gracious God, is always in need of expansion. May your Spirit assist me as I make space and then do what is necessary for Jesus to truly feel welcome. Amen.
