All share the burden or challenge -- perhaps the honor -- of being a model both to the young people who look to their elders and to peers. In the message from the Letter to the Hebrews (13:1-8) the author puts before us topics we might use for prayerful reflection from time to time. A consideration of this message may well lead to some time of person discernment: does anyone of these examples of how we might be an example to others speak to the sense of "hospitality" that mentioned early in this chapter?
The letter reminds us: "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels" (vv. 1-2). Of course the immediate focus is "hospitality" and "angels". How am I a good neighbor? How do I respond to requests for help? How am I am model to others as they search for goodness?
The author offers several scenarios. "Be mindful of prisoners" (v. 3). Might we consider the various kinds of imprisonment our family and friends might be living in today? Those who are "imprisoned" by alcohol, drugs, computer pornography, immoral habits/practices: do they ever receive any loving support? They are struggling members of the Body of Christ! Next the writer reminds his audience of the noble life of marriage: if married, does my life stand as a model of fidelity, genuine commitment and happiness? The letter then suggests considering how our personal lives can become a slave to some of the goods we have: are we content with what we have? Are we at peace with ourselves? Do we truly trust that God will provide all we need? Do we reflect to others a genuine belief that God does take care of us in all we do?
So it is that Love and Hospitality demonstrated in marital fidelity, caring for others, freedom from wanting more and more and gratitude for God's care for us that provide each of us ample material for discerning who we respect others as well as ourselves. With an abundance of models in the community of saints, in good parents and relatives and noble friends we can find the values we need to make love and hospitality quite real in our own communities of family, friends, neighborhoods and offices. The values of the people are treasures we an share with our young people and our friends.
Rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God,
for he has given us a teacher to instruct us in holiness.
for he has given us a teacher to instruct us in holiness.
