"Ought we not to love dearly the neighbor, who truly represents to us the sacred Person of our Master? And is this not one of the most powerful motives we could have for loving each other with an ardently burning love?" Salesian Hospitality by Dan Kerns, Head of School
Oftentimes we think of hospitality from the perspective of entertaining; throwing the perfect party or being the most gracious hostess or host. And certainly, that is one way of considering hospitality.
We can go to the Scriptures and find many examples where Christ himself loved a good party. We are told that his first public miracle was at the Wedding Feast of Cana, where at the request of his mother, Our Lord turned water into wine to save the wedding party from embarrassment. Loaves and fishes were multiplied so the throngs assembled to listen to Jesus would not go home hungry. A recent Gospel account had Jesus as the gracious host preparing breakfast by a charcoal fire for some disciples before he challenges them to "feed my sheep." Some of Our Lord's most profound teaching moments come when he is seated at the table, with a small group of friends. It is in these moments that they and, that we too, are most open and most engaged.
With that in mind, I would invite you to consider that Salesian Hospitality goes a bit further than a mere social dynamic. Salesian Hospitality is a hospitality of the heart: a perspective that shapes each and every relationship we have.
There is one other characteristic of Salesian Hospitality: being completely committed and engaged to the people in our care. One of my favorite Gospel stories, which has a great hospitality theme, is that of Martha and Mary. We are all familiar with the account. Martha and Mary are sisters of Lazarus and Jesus comes for dinner. Type A Martha is stressed and spends her time cleaning, cooking, and complaining that Mary is not doing anything to assist. Rather, Mary welcomes Jesus and spends her time listening and in deep conversation with him. Our Lord responds to Martha with "Martha, Martha, you are distracted about many things;" basically, you are missing the point of my visit.
Martha's response is very recognizable in our busy world. When we entertain, we clean the house, polish the silver, get out the best china, and create a gourmet meal with cold and hot appetizers.
Mary felt differently. She thought that the ultimate compliment to her guest was not in world-class cuisine, but to be present and give Jesus her full attention. What a great example to follow in our relationships with our friends and when we meet God in prayer. Salesian Hospitality calls us to offer our full attention to the important people and projects of our lives and ultimately to the God who invites us to be his friend.
In closing, I would offer that we see the best example of Salesian Hospitality each day in what the Sisters offer us. Thirty-three years ago, they welcomed me to their home. Each one of you - faculty, staff and students - had a similar welcome when you arrived. Visitation is not just a school but the Sisters' home. They invite us in, give us their full and unqualified love, influence us and constantly remember us in their prayers. This is the inspired gift that keeps on giving and what is at the heart of Salesian Hospitality. And it is for this that I am most grateful.
Dan Kerns shared this reflection when he was honored by the Student Government Association earlier this month as the "Faculty Cub of Month," celebrating more than 30 years of welcoming new classes to Visitation each year. Direction of Intention (St. Francis de Sales) Oh my God, I give you this day. I offer you now all of the good which I shall do. I promise to accept for love of you all of the difficulty which I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself during this day in a manner most pleasing to you.
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