Hospitality Week

“For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink… will by no means lose his reward.” (Mk 9:41)

Our parish observed Hospitality Week between 22 July and 29 July as it was felt that we, as a parish, need to take greater responsibility and be more welcoming, generous and friendly with those around us. Christ introduced hospitality through love and service. When we fully perceive the lessons gained from “caring for the multitudes” and “washing of feet”, we are encouraged to go that extra mile in assisting others with a smile. There is an indispensable Christian moral component to this virtue and every time we extend hospitality we nurture and deepen this component as faith builders.

The act of offering welcome helps destroy the barriers of caste and social standing. Hence, hospitality should be more than just a practice as it is a uniquely Christian ethic: all-encompassing, exhilarating and, while often challenging, a definite game changer in the making of a better place. This is especially true today because, more than ever, there are so many people alone, people whose need is to be encompassed with empathy. What easier way forward than to be inviting? With the added bonus that it is in giving that you receive.

During Hospitality Week, the concept of “cups” was used on feast days of saints to share joy and appreciation with those around us.

• 22 July – St. Mary Magdalene – “Cup of New Life”
• 25 July – St. James – “Cup of Faith”
• 26 July – St. Anne and St. Joachim – “Cup of Love”
• 29 July – St. Martha – “Cup of Sharing”

The teachers at the Good News classes used paper cup craft to impart understanding of this important value. For churchgoers, sharing was encouraged with a cup of “chai” at the tomb of Christ on the feast of Mary Magdalene and a “cuppa” delicious soup served after Mass on the feast of St. Martha (patron of cooks). This brought Hospitality alive in this Year of Faith.