We are all called...

to model the gift of self

Benedictine spirituality asks us to embrace stability—a commitment to remain rooted in community; conversion of life—a lifelong willingness to change, to turn from selfish habits, and to grow day by day into the way of Christ; and obedience—the discipline of listening deeply to God, to the community, and to one another—most particularly, to one another.

The rhythm of Benedictine life—prayer and work, sacred reading and hospitality—is carefully balanced and moderated. We avoid extremes in fasting, work, sleep, or possessions, choosing instead a simplicity that respects the needs of body, mind, and spirit.

Today we focus on hospitality, particularly the hospitality we offer the stranger.

It begins simply: by becoming fully aware of the needs of another and being willing to respond to those needs in mind, body, and spirit. Yet this simple calling may be among the most demanding of all—to refuse to turn away, even when the person before us is someone we might instinctively regard as the other.

Benedictine hospitality calls us beyond mere politeness. It asks us to offer comfort and care, presence and conversation, dignity and respect—all those things through which one human being recognizes the humanity of another.

And beneath all of this lies something deeper.

Hospitality asks us to model the gift of self: to make room within our lives for another person; to listen before judging; to receive before rejecting; to recognize Christ even in the unfamiliar face before us.

heed this this call.