Lent 02•22•2021: Show Me The Way

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

💠 Monday of the First Week of Lent 💠

~Matthew 25:34-35, 40 (NJBV)~

♥️ HOSPITALITY {vs} HOSTILITY 📛

Hospitality:

• hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition (thanked our hosts for their hospitality)
• the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. —

Hostility:

• deep-seated usually mutual ill will (glad to have gotten throughthe divorce proceedings withoutany visible signs of hostility OR showed open hostility toward outsiders)
• conflict, opposition, or resistance in thought or principle action

Hello friends and Happy Monday to all of you! 🌻💛

The Bible gives us many examples of hospitality and Mr. Nouwen reminds us it is an important virtue on page 26 of his book, Show Me The Way. “When hostility is converted into hospitality then fearful strangers can become guests revealing to their hosts the promise they are carrying with them. …but even more than that [virtue] in the context of hospitality guest and host can reveal their most precious gifts and bring new life to each other.”

Biblical stories of hospitality can be found throughout the Bible, below are a few:

1. Genesis 18:1-15 (Sarah/Abraham’s son announced)

2. 1 Kings 17:9-24 (Widow of Zarepharh/Elijah)

3. Luke 24:13-35 (Traveler/Emmaus/Stranger)

The words from Mr. Nouwen spoke to my weary heart today. As I left work I felt very tired and somewhat disappointed in myself. I thought to myself, I could have been a better version of myself, my voice could have been more soothing at times, I could have been more patient, and I should have taken more deep breaths and prayer more often. For those I work with, they probably did not see the person I’m describing, I am much too harsh with myself and more likely they accept me…flaws and all. I can say with all honesty that I had no preconceived notions to raise my voice when discussing things that I am passionate about. I did not set out to be impatient, I know I get anxious and sometimes it’s hard for my brain and mouth to work positively in unison 🤣😉

The truth is this my friend, a stranger is someone we just haven’t met or met properly. It’s good to be cautious and to use common sense, practice safety and to trust your intuitions. Baby steps friends, the scriptures tell us, when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and welcome a stranger…we are welcoming Jesus! Peace to you my friends. 💞

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Quiet Time Day 5

Spend 10 minutes today in silence and prayer. Will this be easy or hard for you?

🙏🏻 ~Prayer~🙏🏻

Dear Lord,

show me your kindness and your gentleness,

you who are meek and humble of heart.

So often I say to myself, “The Lord loves me,”

but very often this truth does not enter

into the center of my heart.

Let these weeks become an opportunity for me

to let go of all my resistances to your love

and an occasion for you to call me closer to you.

~ Amen

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing 

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation