Spiritual Formations: Hospitality and Celebration

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

Key points

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

The spiritual practice of hospitality has less to do with the environment and has everything to do with taking time to truly see those we host and allow them to see us.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

The first time I read this verse I was so confronted by Jesus’ response to Martha.

Yes, you guessed it I viewed hospitality as Martha did, I wanted everything to be just right, whether it was a birthday party I was hosting, or a meal for friends or the family Christmas gathering, I wanted to do my very best to let people know I loved them by making yummy food and creating a welcoming environment.

Take time with one person, sit with them, listen without interrupting, look them in their eyes and let them know they are special.

The only problem was that I would spend all my time setting, serving and cleaning up that I missed spending time with people.

The spiritual practice of hospitality has less to do with the environment and has everything to do with taking time to truly see those we host and allow them to see us.

The greatest social epidemic of our time is loneliness, being unseen and unknown.

We can start to heal our society by spending time sitting at the feet of Jesus, then allowing ourselves to be seen and known by others and gifted them the same hospitality.

Let’s try it today. Take time with one person, sit with them, listen without interrupting, look them in their eyes and let them know they are special.

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Series written by Kath Henry

Originally published as Spiritual Formation – Hospitality and Celebration