Generous Host

Psalm 23, which is, perhaps the most popular of all the psalms,begins with the image of Jesus as shepherd, the Good Shepherd, but also contains another image:  the generous host. "You prepare a table for me/ in the presence of my enemies" (Ps 23: 5).  This gracious host also anoints the head of the guest with oil and fills his or her cup till it overflows. (cf. Ps 23: 5). Certain cultures, emphasize hospitality more than others, but it seems fairly universal that welcoming guests with food and drink is the norm.  A large element of our Marist culture is hospitality.  Marist graduates who have traveled the world  have found Marist hospitality everywhere and have been deeply touched by the familiar family spirit they found from continent to continent. We might say that we've all learned it from God, the most generous of hosts. As we have been welcomed by him, we have learned to welcome others. We might pray today that we will be good and generous hosts to those in need, to those who feel lonely and without a friend, by offering them a prayer, or a warm, welcoming word or smile.
Bro. Rene