Day 6 Hospitality
- Acts 28:1-2, 7
After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us round it … Now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days”
- Psalm 46
- Luke 14:12-24
Reflection
I open my door
and welcome the newness of uncertainty.
The presence of possibility
resides in the unfamiliar received
with outstretched, vulnerable arms.
The gifts brought
are for sharing among us,
not trading equity.
This stranger and I,
we resolve to put warmth in the cold places,
compassion in the hard places,
hope in the dark places,
and peace deep within.
We kindle the fire together
and gather for warmth,
before the next pilgrim,
brings gifts
for us all.
Prayer
God of the orphan, the widow and the stranger,
instil in our hearts a deep sense of hospitality.
when You ask us to feed You, to clothe You and to visit You
those with ears to hear, listen,
those with eyes to see, look.
May our churches participate
in the ending of hunger, thirst and isolation
and in overcoming barriers that prevent the welcoming of all people.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus,
who is present in the least of our sisters and brothers. Amen.
Questions
- Share a story about a time you experienced hospitality in a meaningful way.
- Think about a time when you had to be hospitable that was difficult. In what ways has that changed how you welcome people? Where do you need to go the extra mile?
- Where have you recognised unusual kindness in your community?
Go and Do
Global: Find out about the united work of the Act Alliance responding to poverty and injustice across the world.
Local: How do we as churches begin or go deeper into a meaningful conversation with the voices we find difficult in society? What can we learn from these voices? Discuss together.
Personal: How might you show unusual kindness to someone in your community today?
Bellshill Central Church 