“Me?” 

“Yes, you! Fenta loves you so much, and I know he would want you to share your sunshine all over his party.”

I was totally shocked. I had only been at my current job for two years when my colleagues nominated me to host the retirement party for my dear seventy-eight-year-old Catholic friend and mentor. 

Fenta had served at the library for over twenty-five years and had gotten to know many people during that time. Now, I had the honor of planning, coordinating, and hosting his final goodbye with our office.

Though I was overwhelmed by the important task ahead, I poured lots of love into planning this party. To honor Fenta’s Ethiopian culture, I designed welcome signs in Amharic and created party games featuring fun facts about his life and career.

Overall, the party was definitely a success. Everyone left feeling closer to Fenta, and he truly felt seen and loved by us too. It was beautiful to see the power of intentional hospitability, a lesson I first learned from the story of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke.

Zacchaus and the Ultimate Party Guest

Even though he didn’t know it at the time, Zacchaeus the tax collector was a born host, his heart ready to welcome Jesus into his life and home. In Chapter 19 of the Gospel of Luke, we see Zacchaeus run ahead and climb that sycamore tree just to get a simple glimpse at Jesus, only to be surprised by the Lord’s full gaze. When Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today,” his calling was clear, and Zacchaeus received Jesus with true joy (Luke 19:5-6). 

During the rest of this passage, Zacchaeus’ example of hospitality sheds light on how all of us are called to host: as a personal witness of love and kindness, demonstrated in three ways:

1. Eagerness and Joy

When Zacchaeus knew Jesus was coming, he pursued Him, and when he got Jesus’ attention, Zacchaeus was overwhelmed with joy.

In the same way, when we host others, we should do so with an eager and joyful heart, happy to do so for the ones we love. And if we find ourselves lacking in these gifts, we can always ask the Holy Spirit for His aid and inspiration. 

2. Generosity and Personal Touch

In hosting, Zacchaeus wanted to give a part of himself to his guest, something personal, something that showed how much he cared about our Lord. He took the thing he was most attached to—his material possessions—and gave them away: “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). One of the greatest party favors of all time if you ask me!

In a similar way, I encourage you to be generous in your hospitality, not just by sharing things or words but by sharing parts of yourself with others. Let your event, party, or home represent who you are. For me, I love graphic design and learning different languages, so creating those Amharic welcome signs for Fenta was a loving gesture that moved both of our hearts. 

3. A Moved Heart and Openness to Change

A good party leaves people with something they didn’t have before—maybe a new perspective on a topic discussed or a change of heart about another guest. 

While Zacchaeus was the one hosting Jesus, Zacchaeus left their interaction a changed man. Because he was moved by the Lord’s presence, Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10).

Consider who in your life could use your intentional kindness. Whether you have them over for dinner or add them to your next party guest list, you never know when someone is in need of the love and hospitality that can change them for the better. 

Hospitality as a Thumbprint

Hospitality is a chance to spread the love we carry in ways that feel most natural to us, all while gathering together those we love and sharing ourselves with them. The way we host others can be impactful, beautiful, and life-giving.

I can personally attest to this. I am currently writing this blog post at 11 p.m. from my best friend’s couch. After a horrible day, I just needed my bestie’s comfort and late-night ham sandwiches to feel cheered up. Like Zacchaeus, and very much like my friend Colleen, you never know when someone will call needing exactly what you have to offer. 

Ideas for Hosting, Never Boasting, but For Sure Toasting This Summer

Zacchaus hosted Jesus with all that he was and all that he could give. This is the kind of hospitality Jesus calls us to—seeing every guest as another face of Jesus to be loved and tended to. Who in your life is the Lord calling you to see and love intentionally through your own version of hospitality?

If you are planning a summer gathering, here are a few hosting ideas I am considering this year:

• Family and friends Olympic games: A backyard competition where one team emerges victorious. 
• Ecofriendly clothing swap: Guests bring clothing items to exchange with others. 
• Farmers’ market swap: Everyone brings one handmade item to share with the group.
• Pie-eating contest: A party centered around a hands-free pie-eating competition.