Make time for people

MAKE TIME FOR PEOPLE

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16 & Mt. 10:37-42

How hospitable are we?  The theme of today’s Mass is hospitality, making time for people.  In the first reading we see how the Shunammite woman realized that the prophet Elisha was a man of God.  She not only provided him with food whenever he passed her home, but persuaded her husband to prepare a room for him to use when he was in town.  She did this out of kindness, not for any selfish motives, but because she sensed a need.  She was a kind and thoughtful woman.

God is never outdone in generosity.  He was going to repay the woman for her kindness.  This Shunammite woman longed for a son, but her husband was an old man.  God rewarded her far beyond her wildest dreams.  She was told, “This time next year you will hold a son in your arms”.

This story reminds me of the hospitality my parents had towards our priests.  My father liked the priest to see the family at least once a year.  If the priest had not been my brother and I would remind him it was time for an invitation.  On the day he was coming everything was geared to the visit of the priest.  Mum would spend time cooking and preparing a feast.  The dining table would be laid as a banquet. 

When the priest arrived he and my Dad would have a chat in the sitting room.  When Mum and my sisters had everything ready, Dad and the priest would sit at either end of the table heavy with food.  All the children, about eight of us at that time, would sit in our Sunday best around the room.  As a rule we would eat afterwards unless the priest insisted we join them.  Looking back I am sure the priest was very impressed. 

I can also remember a gentleman who worked not far from where we lived and during most dinner breaks he would call to see my Dad, and Mum always made sure he had his lunch.  Now looking back I realize that many times he called because he knew he would get a free lunch!

Jesus never had a mobile phone!  He would never have been able to tell Martha, Mary and Lazarus, His friends, that He and His followers would be passing their home in Bethany on their way to Jerusalem.  Whenever they called, they were not only happy to see Him but were ready to entertain them royally. Perhaps we could follow the example of Jesus’ friends of Bethany. 

Do people matter to us?  Have we lost that sense of welcome and hospitality our parents had?  Unscheduled visits are not always welcomed and sometimes resented.  Are we just too busy? 

Are today’s readings speaking to us?  Should we be more hospitable?  If we realised that people do matter, we would make people welcome in our home.  We should make time for unexpected visits from friends who want a chat and want to be friendly with us.

Lord Jesus, if we are thoughtful and generous with our time, You will reward us like Your heavenly Father rewarded the Shunammite woman.  Help us to recall your very words, “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me”.  What a wonderful thought that when we welcome others we are in fact welcoming You.

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