“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36
As a child, teenager, and into adulthood, I was fortunate to be around a faithful witness often – my Auntie Tonita, Dad’s sister. As teenagers, the two siblings moved from Puerto Rico to New York City to join other family members. As time passed, they met their spouses, had children, and shared their lives as a tight family unit. Through the years, we celebrated birthdays, holidays, and many summer outings. My Auntie was adventurous and taught us how to ride a bike, play card games, and enjoy life. She was fun!
As I think of her today, hospitality is the first thing that comes to mind. As many know, hospitality is the act of welcoming others and being a good host. As far back as I can remember, Auntie shared this gift with many people. I remember her home always filled with visitors. She hosted family members who needed a place to stay, whether for a night or more. Her children often arrived with friends, and Auntie promised them something to eat. When her church sisters visited, a strong cup of coffee and her famous yellow cake were served. And how could I forget her regularly visiting those in her church community who were sick or needed encouragement? These church women together offered hospitality.
On a recent trip to the Rose Castle Foundation in England, where others gather to learn about peace building around reconciliation, I learned that hospitality also allows one to be the guest. I think, in my Auntie’s later years, she accepted this as she dealt with some serious health issues. No longer able to be the host of yesteryear, she instead experienced the hospitality of others, at times from strangers who became new friends.
As one of the “12 habits of a reconciler,” hospitality is truly essential and goes hand in hand with others, such as curiosity, generosity, and empathy. The Rose Castle Foundation shared with us that “hospitality is a way of life, not just of service.” We were invited to think of ways in which we noticed and welcomed those different from us into our spaces and how we engaged when receiving the hospitality of others. It was a life-changing experience.
Prayer: Dear God, as I remember the life of my Auntie Tonita and her gift of hospitality, may I, too, be swift to offer this gift to others. Amen
Shared by Sandy Diaz
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