I know that it is really popular to rip on the Church (I myself have been guilty) but I have been really touched recently by some little things at Church.  There is a woman in our congregation who is brought to church every Sunday by her son.  I think she lives in a nursing home.  Because of health issues it is hard for her to communicate clearly.  Her wheelchair is placed in the aisle.  To go to communion you have to go by her.  I have been overwhelmed with the love and respect that is shown her each Sunday as almost every communicant stops to bless and greet her.  They don’t have to do that.  They bless her because they see Jesus in her.  I love the body of Christ….even with all of its faults.

Hospitality is the key to outreach with the Christian message.  There are so many reports of those, especially young adults, who will not connect with the Church because of negative perceptions and experiences.  This kind of damage is hard to undo but it can be reframed when we listen.  Listen to the story.  Listen to the pain.  Listen to the hurt.  Acknowledge the pain that is heard and do not cast judgement.  As we listen we let the story unfold.  Hospitality is to give without asking anything in return.  We give and we love with the love of Christ.  May each of us strive for graciousness and hospitality.