“Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, he said, ‘Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward, you may go on your way…and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.”
During the hot, hazy, dusty days of summer, we find the Genesis story welcome relief. Don’t we all seek some help at this time of the year, a gentle breeze, a quiet fan or air conditioning? Imagine how welcome this encounter with Abraham was.
A fundamental principle in the Christian life is found in the virtue of hospitality. Saint Benedict likened it to prayer. Jesus found it in the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. We have often experienced it in visits, being welcomed into a new parish community or home. We can offer this gift to others at little cost to ourselves. The first to come to mind are immigrants and refugees.
Jesus fled to Egypt following no acceptance at the inn. Those fleeing the ravages of war, gangs, and poverty at our borders, might be the God hidden from recognition in the book of Genesis. Our gift of hospitality reveals the compassion of Jesus Christ to others.