Abraham, without hesitation, goes out of his way to make the unexpected guests feel welcome and comfortable. Though it is the hottest part of the day he puts their needs above his and gives the best of what he has. Abraham offers this hospitality because it was in him to do so. All his years of upbringing, watching his parents good example instilled within him the culture of the people. There was no hesitation on his part and neither was the assessment of who these two were and whether they qualified for the kind of hospitality he was going to extend to them. It was his second nature to offer hospitality.
The hospitality at Lazarus’ home reminds us of the cordial generosity of Abraham. Notice how this culture of hospitality continued for well over a thousand years. This sense of hospitality is alive in our Asian culture. Just think of any time a visitor comes. There is the offer to enter, to sit and to have some food and drinks.
There is the hospitality that is all attentive and a hospitality that is all consuming. Martha was consumed with what was needed to be done and by the looks of it Mary was the attentive host.
To know what the other wants and to know what the other needs are two different aspects of hospitality. Jesus wanted to be with them. The relationship comes first before anything else. We listen only because we have related to the other.
There never seems to be enough time to do all things and Jesus said “indeed only one” is needed. If you had only one thing to do for Jesus what would that be?
Written by: Mary Pierre