Luke 12:32-48

C.S. Lewis said once that the way to become a Christian is to act like one. If we consciously try to act like a Christian, one day we will wake up and find that we are.

One aspect of being a Christian that we might never equate with following Jesus is hospitality. But if we look at the Scriptures, we find that the ministry of hospitality is mentioned quite often.

I recently went back to the seminary where I was educated, and I was reminded about the importance of hospitality. The seminary is owned by the Benedictines. If one knows anything about the rule of St Benedict, then you know that hospitality was very important to Benedict.

Benedict said once that we are to welcome everyone who comes to our door as if they were Christ. At Benedictine monasteries one of the most important positions is that of guest master. The guest master greets visitors and makes sure that they have a place to stay and that their needs are cared for. If the person cannot pay, they stay for free. Why? Because they are an embodiment of Christ.

We are reminded this Sunday that Jesus comes to our door as a visitor often. Do we recognise him, and do we show him hospitality? This is an important part of being a disciple.