By Benedictine Sister Nina Lasceski
When I was in high school, I really loved to do homework. Well, maybe not all my homework, as I was not particularly good at mathematics. Yet, I did my best to strive ahead, making mistakes along the way and learning from them.
As I spent what seemed like hours trying to solve math problems, I realized in order to better understand math, I needed to find ways to think about it differently.
In preparation for the writing of this article about what the Church teaches about hospitality, I needed once again to do homework. And what did I learn? Lots.
There are several places to find biblical references to hospitality in the Bible:
- Matthew 25:35 says, “…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.”
- Galatians 6:10 instructs, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”
The Rule of Benedict highlights the above verses in Chapter 53:1, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ…”. As a Benedictine, I have read this verse many times and often hear it read before our community morning prayer. It always challenges me to think about situations at work or home when guests have shown up at an inopportune moment. How have I reacted to their visit? If I did not handle things well, what could I have done differently? By doing a little more homework, I found another New Testament reading to help guide me for the next time this might happen:
- Romans 12: 10-13 tells us, “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
Sometimes before doing homework, we need a vision. It helps to get us through. In 2023, Bishop Patrick Neary introduced seven priorities for the St. Cloud Diocese, one of them being strategic planning for the Area Catholic Communities. Homework on this priority has begun and parishioners across the diocese are now together learning new ways to show hospitality to one another.
Studying together and listening to each other can and is making a difference. When hearing points of view that differ from your own, do your best to welcome them. This is what hospitality is all about. Slowly and carefully, transformation is underway.
Whenever I got frustrated with a math problem, I would review what I did know. I noted my strengths and with those strengths did my best to proceed. I knew that I would make mistakes, and sometimes fail, but that was when I learned the most.
There may be times when you are called to engage in different ways within your ACC. When doing this, remember that you may encounter others you don’t know. Do your best to welcome them. Welcome them as Christ, as you never know how much your hospitality may make a difference to them.
Basketball great Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” Hockey player Wayne Gretzky says it best when he notes, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Offering hospitality can be a risk. Attempts to show hospitality may bring mistakes and failures, yet there will be triumphs, too. As the ACC journey continues, prayer, reflection and sharing are key. Oh, and there may be a bit of homework involved!
Sister Nina is a sister of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph.