Philemon 4 -7
Hospitality is creating the space for yourself or
another to meet Christ. Paul was faced with the challenge of creating
space to meet a fellow prisoner who had wronged Philemon, a friend of
his. How easy it would have been for Paul to “write off” Onesimus
as a criminal and have nothing to do with him. Instead, Paul chose to
open his heart with God’s grace of hospitality and we are now
witness to Paul’s joy in this scripture as he witnesses the Holy
Spirit changing Onesimus’ heart and probably his own.
Paul’s joy could not be contained. Paul also knew
hospitality does not judge. Hospitality welcomes the other to begin
the process of reconciliation. He let the joy of God in his heart
help open Philemon’s heart to receive Onesimus as a changed man in
Christ and be reconciled and live as Christian brothers.
Joy also grounded Paul in his conviction of the change in Onesimus. He trusted his experience. In turn, Paul was able to speak with conviction and forthrightness to Philemon trusting the Holy Spirit to speak to Philemon’s heart.
Hospitality is essential if our spiritual life is to be
enlarged and whole. Providing hospitality or making room in our
hearts to see Christ in ourselves and in others in joy, provides
further hospitality in our spiritual practice. Hospitality both heals
and holds us together.
Who do you need to be hospitable to today? What can you
do to open your heart?
Sr. Brenda Jenner, SSJD
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