Chapter 53: The reception of guests (paragraphs 1-4)
The greatest care should be taken to give a warm reception to the poor and to pilgrims, because it is in them above all others that Christ is welcomed. (From para. 4 of Ch. 53 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
What seems special to me about the poor and the pilgrims is a lack of pretense, a way of being that is transparent because of unencumbrance. In this way, the heart shines out.
What seems special to me about the poor and the pilgrims is a lack of pretense, a way of being that is transparent because of unencumbrance. In this way, the heart shines out.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me to watch how his special needs teacher/therapist greets our three-year-old grandson: so patiently and affectionately! Abba, help me to remember that I am greeting you every time I "greet" him or meet any one. Teach me, your special needs child, how to love him and every one I meet this day, with patience and affection.
"Love the Guest is on the way" is the phrase in the song, "People Look East." I couldn't help but think how appropriate those words stand out for me today as I read the beginning of Chapter 53, " The Reception of Guests"in the Rule. I do not know what Love as Guest will look like but all I need to know is Love as a Guest is on the way. I have to "stay awake" and be attentive to all, strangers and familiars alike. Love is in their midst. There is no description, no title, no distinguishing factors. I have to be prepared. My soul knows. She has hopefully been entertaining the Guest in meditation, that silent presence, to whom the doors of the heart have never been closed.
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