A Simple Invitation

February 7, 2025 // Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8

Reflect on the Word // 

My mother and father-in-law often host Sunday brunch after Mass, inviting family, friends—and sometimes, someone they just happened to meet at Mass—into their home. We usually bring the donuts. Sitting at the dining table, we’ve met people from all around the country. Our parish isn’t too big, but it’s big enough that we might not have ever known them had my in-laws not invited them over. It reminds me of how meaningful it is to be noticed, and to be invited. We all crave to be seen and to be included.

My in-laws are a model of the opening of the First Reading: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:1). And it brings to mind my reading of a story many years ago about Saint Isidore, the patron Saint of farmers, and his wife—also a Saint—Saint Maria. I read that he would often invite people over for meals in their home without letting Maria know, and that she would somehow have enough food to share among everyone, although this was a humble and poor family (so this wasn’t an extravagant meal by any stretch of the imagination). But I do imagine it was a warm, inviting space to share a meal. They knew that the Lord was their help, and they need not be afraid to serve Him (see Hebrews 13:6).

Now, I don’t know if this story is really true, but it seems like something a saintly couple would do.  And at the very least it’s a good story to try to live up to ourselves, for the Lord calls us all to extend “brotherly love.” Are we willing to invite someone in, and to share with them what we have—even if it’s not much? Imagine the warmth and the joy that can be shared with someone—who might really need it—if we do. 

Relate to the Lord // Who around you might be waiting to be invited in, to be noticed, to be cared for? Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight them today.