Extravagant and Radical Hospitality

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 -- Week of Proper 3

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 968)
Psalms 26, 28 (morning) 36, 39 (evening)
Deuteronomy 4:15-24
2 Corinthians 1:12-22
Luke 15:1-10


The extravagance of God and of God's love is a common theme of the Christian gospel. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Jesus' ministry was the extravagance of his table hospitality. In a culture where eating a meal together was a public act which communicated one's acceptance and alliance with those at the table, choosing whom to dine with was a decision that could have religious, moral, and political significance. From a Jewish perspective, the purity laws were paramount. An observant Jew would be careful to eat only with other observant Jews, taking care to follow the Biblical kosher laws. A rabbi would never spoil his reputation by sitting at a table for a meal with people who are deliberately unobservant of the biblical laws. But Jesus was different.

Jesus scandalized the religious establishment by welcoming tax collectors and sinners to his table. This may have been the most characteristic feature of his ministry, along with his healing. Elsewhere we have the story of Jesus invited himself to the home of Zaccheaus, a tax collector. It was an unthinkable act for a rabbi or an observant Jew.

Jesus practiced a form of radical, extravagant hospitality. His attention was particularly focused towards those who had been unable to respond to the conventional religious appeal. One commentator likes to say that Jesus reached out to the "little, lost, and leprous."

When religious authorities grumble about Jesus' scandalous associations, he answers with two parables. In one story a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep in the wilderness to search for the one missing sheep. When he finds it he celebrates with his neighbors. In the other story a woman sweeps diligently for a lost coin until she finds it. When she finds it, she rejoices with her friends. Jesus says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over all the good people who need no repentance.

Recognizing this central focus of Jesus' ministry invites our self reflection. How extravagant is our hospitality? Where is the focus for our priorities? Do we extend an extravagant and welcoming care to the "little, lost, and leprous?" Is our first concern the same concern we see reflected in Jesus' values? Or do we tend to take care of the ninety-nine? Do we avoid associations that might be disreputable? Do we welcome the same kind of people that Jesus welcomed?

Social divisions are deep and wide. For many of us, we will not be in contact with the "little, lost, and leprous" unless they are serving us. We don't go to their homes. We probably don't even drive through their neighborhoods. They aren't at our tables. So few are present in our church. Jesus found ways to reach out to them, to search diligently for the marginalized. His example is a challenge to us.

Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

See our Web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

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We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.