Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

I have been searching far and wide for this particular bit of scripture. I can't recall when I first heard it, but it stayed with me, sans the scriptural address. So, I Googled these words: Angels + Hospitality. Among the list of hits was http://bible.cc/, a very cool resource of verses from nearly every version of the Bible and in more languages than I have time to count. Check it out. And, digging deeper into the Google results list I found a new resource for daily inspiration: http://www.upperroom.org/daily/?m=200708. While this is a Christian, (not Catholic) site, it follows the common lectionary and includes quotes from magazines and books published by Upper Room. Quite good, but I digress...

Hebrews 13:2 speaks loudly and clearly about being in the present moment--having full awareness in welcoming. When we think of the word hospitality, images of hotels and restaurants appear --with waiters eager to serve. And yet, hospitality means so much more than making someone comfortable and offering refreshment. It is far more than being greeted with a smile and a handshake, although we know these gestures communicate that our presence is welcome.

Hospitality means that regardless of familiarity, appearance, available space, invitation (or lack thereof), we must always present a welcoming face to each person we meet. Angels or not, we are all God's children, loved equally and wholly, and perhaps connected by the heavenly filament of Angelic song. Let us greet one another that way.

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.
--Hebrews 13:2

Welcoming is one of the divine gifts of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish, and each of us, as members of this body share that charism. Likewise, if we are aware of the divine image in which God created us and are open to God’s movement in our lives, it is this image which reaches out to shake the hand of the person standing near us each week at the start of Mass. We use our words, our smile, our friendliness, but it is this image speaking through us: “I am so pleased we are here together this morning”. It is that image of God in us that greets each person we see throughout our day, at home, at work, and in play. God speaks through us: “It is so good to see you”. It is the voice we use when we answer the phone not knowing who is on the other end. God speaks through us: “I am here”. It is this image which seeks the face of Christ in each person we meet, and which looks into our eyes. God says: “I know you.”


Have you ever considered the impact your greeting might have on another, or how their greeting might affect you? How do we welcome guests and newcomers to our faith community? Let’s explore this together, please share your impressions and suggestions.

Many of us consider St. Thomas to be a warm and welcoming community. Do you? The founding families of this good parish were inspired by the workings of the Holy Spirit to build this house with arms wide open. How exciting it must have been for these families to attend the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist in their new church after so much hard work and time spent in anticipation. The atmosphere must have been electric with joy! And it continues with each passing year as new families visit St. Thomas and experience that same sense of “fit” and “belonging” which draws them closer into God’s embrace. Indeed, most of us can recall with great clarity an initial experience of warmth and welcoming that led us to make St. Thomas our home.

Do you have an experience which led you to join St. Thomas that you would like to share? Please leave your impressions and suggestions for others to read.