Radical Hospitality

As is my custom, and for sustenance, Mama Bear went to St. John's for worship on Sunday last. The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling, who has taught Comparative Religion, was the Celebrant.

During this time of nourishment, I was struck by the following which touched me:

• More than one person said hello to me, one person introduced themselves to me.


• The sight of three small children, praying after taking the Eucharist: the oldest, perhaps five, knew how to kneel and position the hands; the middle, perhaps four, working at knowing what to do; the youngest, perhaps an old two or young three, having no clue, but imitating what was observed in siblings: there was something holy in what they did and how they did it - the prayers of angels were amongst us!


• A mobile of many origami cranes of many colors hangs from the rafters at St. John's these days, drifting slowly in one direction or the other in the stirrings of the spirit. A line in the bulletin says: "The origami peace cranes represent our hopes for peace throughout the world."


• The smell of the candles after they were extinguished at the end of the service: is there anything richer than the smell of candles? At St. John's, we sit and listen during the Postlude, gathering ourselves for return to the world. This Sunday was the first I had noticed the candle smell - perhaps it was caused by the way the spirit was moving amongst us.


• The flowers at St. John's are always spectacular. Someone with a true gift is selecting and arranging them. This past Sunday was no exception.


• An Isaac Watts paraphrase of Psalm 23 was sung. It was startling to hear these familiar words in such a different, beautiful and meaningful way.


• The sermon today was amazing. My understanding of the lesson (which may not be what was actually said) is that using the scripture passages were from Jeremish, Psalm, Hebrews and Luke's lesson from 14:1, 7-14; the Celebrant shared that the scriptures spoke to her of hospitality and humility, and that the two are linked: how can we offer hospitality if we have no humility? And, as Christians, we are called to offer radical hospitality: hospitality to those who have done nothing to deserve it and who cannot possibly repay whatever hospitality they receive. She talked of the tensions at the dinner described in Luke. Jesus had been invited not to offer hospitality but so that those who he was making uncomfortable could keep an eye on him. Seating at dinners like this one was arranged far in advance, much like seating at a State Dinner at the White House. Placement of seating was linked to honor and status of a person. Jesus criticized the seating process and went on to criticize the guest list. What must the hosts and other guests have felt? And yet, Jesus was trying to give a glimpse of the kingdom of God, to share the good news of how we become a part of that kingdom. We must exult others and humble ourselves. She talked of how she has been struck, given these teachings, of the conflicts surrounding the proposed mosque near Ground Zero in New York City. Many were killed there. We have a responsibility to build a shared future in this space. She recognized that the pain that has resulted from the initial attack and this proposal is ongoing and is palpable. She had no solution to offer, but hoped that informed and sensitive people could struggle with the issue to find a wise, just, and merciful resolution. Jesus tells us that we all pray to one God. Our God is that same God that Al Quaeda members worship, the same God that Taliban members worship, the same God that Israeli's worship, the same God that Hammas members worship, ... you get the picture. One God and we are to work together for common understanding, for the common good, to form bonds, to form relationships. God sees us, not us and them. Such is the Radical Hospitality to which we are called. God's table is open to all; all are invited; all are valued; all are affirmed; all are healed. What an amazing and sustaining message of hope and living!

I left filled, humbled and peaceful. Those feelings are always a good way to leave this space.

The words about this lesson are my interpretation of what was said. The actual words said and ideas presented belong to Rev. Stribling and were delivered in a manner that was more interesting and likely clearer than what I have shared here.