Hospitality

Nov 25

Blessings on your Thanksgiving! It happens to be my favorite holiday. Each year I celebrate by gathering with my parents and brother, joining two other families for the annual Turkey Games, dinner, and late-night karaoke.

This year, my reflection has centered on the grace of hospitality. I once thought of hospitality as something enjoyable but a bit frivolous. Something nice, but not essential. Over time, I’ve discovered that it belongs to a much deeper reality. Hospitality is part of the miracle of healing. Hospitality is healing.

In 2020, our celebration of Thanksgiving changed completely. A few months earlier, my middle brother died suddenly. The thought of returning to our old traditions with an empty seat was paralyzing. In response, we were invited into something different: we gathered with two other families who were also carrying grief and loss.

In those gatherings, the hospitality we shared was more than comforting. For all of us, and especially for my parents, this gathering saved our lives.

We begin each Thanksgiving with Mass, praying for the family and friends we love and miss. We remember the grief that first brought us together, and we give thanks for the friendship and love that has healed and sustained us.

So yes, hospitality heals. It can even save lives.

Happy Thanksgiving.
May God be Praised!