THE REWARDS FOR HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY

 

Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Texts: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a, Romans 6:3-4, 8-11, Matthew 10:37-42

As Christians, the virtues of hospitality and generosity are integral aspects of our life and faith. The Bible for instance presents us with a clear mandate for us to extend open arms and open hearts to others, mirroring the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. These two virtues flow from the very heart of God’s love and grace, and as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to embody them in our daily interactions with others.

One of the figures in the Bible who lived out in concrete terms these virtues is the Shunammite woman that we encounter in our today’s first reading (2 Kings 4:8-16). The reading tells the inspiring story of how the Shunammite woman showed great hospitality towards the prophet Elisha. As a result of her kindness, Elisha promised her a son, given that she and her husband were childless at that time. This story of the Shunammite woman reminds us of the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to others, especially to those in need. It also highlights the blessings that can come from selfless acts of generosity and hospitality. Her act of kindness and generosity demonstrates a profound trust in God’s providence and a willingness to embrace the other as a messenger of God’s presence.

Each time the Church presents this reading to us for reflection, my mind always goes back to the acts of kindness and generosity that I received from the families that received me into their homes during my pastoral work experiences many years ago as a seminarian. I believe that the experience is the same for many seminarians today. Like the Shunammite woman, these people opened their homes, heart, and hands to me. In their homes I found shelter and comfort; from their heart, I found love and care; and from their hands, I got all the material things I needed for my apostolate. It is the same thing that the Shunammite did for Elisha. They not only provided him with a meal but they also built him a room and made sure that everything he needed was provided for: table, lamp, bed and chair (2 Kings 4:10).

The gospel reading continues this theme of hospitality and generosity by challenging us to prioritize our commitment to Jesus above all else. It reminds us that following Christ may require sacrifices and the letting go of attachments and relationships that hinder our wholehearted devotion to him (Matthew 10:37-42). For us to practice acts of generosity and hospitability, we must like the Shunammite woman, be ready to let go. But then, Jesus promises us that those who receive and support Christ’s prophets and messengers will also receive blessings from God. Just as God keeps his promises as we read from today’s psalm (Psalm 89:2-19), he also rewards those who embody his hospitality by showering them with blessings beyond measure.

In our own lives, we are called to embrace these virtues. But we should keep in mind that extending generosity and hospitality goes beyond mere acts of social etiquette; it is an invitation to encounter the divine in the stranger. As the Bible tells us “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2), and “Whatever we do for the least of our brethren, we do so for Jesus (Matthew 25:40). As we reflect on the virtues of hospitality and generosity, let us recommit ourselves to living them out in our lives because they are essential expressions of our faith. May we, through our hospitality and generosity, become bearers of God’s blessings to a world in need. May our acts of selfless and unconditional hospitality and generosity become beacons of God’s love in a world longing for acceptance and kindness. Let us go forth, inspired by the examples set before us, and be instruments of God’s grace, knowing that in welcoming others, we welcome Christ himself.