“‘Now that you have come this close to your servant, 

Let me bring you food, that you may refresh yourselves;

And afterwards you may go on your way.’” // Genesis 18:5

In a modest house, located in the cloud forest of Nicaragua, I sat down to a meal with my host family, soaking in my surroundings with each of my senses. The chirping of birds and crickets floated through the open windows, bringing with them a cool breeze that provided relief from the day’s heat. The savory aroma of spices cooked into the food made my stomach rumble, excited for the beautiful meal laid before us. 

As I looked upon my plate, I noticed something new accompanying the delicious, yet simple foods I’d grown to love in the short time I’d been on my first university immersion experience—chicken. Meat. Something I’d taken for granted back home, but knew was not an everyday option for the families our group had been staying with and learning from as we studied various trade practices and their impact on communities beyond our own. 

When I read the story of Abraham’s profound generosity shared with the three men visiting him and Sarah (see Genesis 18:1-8), I couldn’t help but recall the lavish hospitality of the families I had the privilege of staying with during so many of my travels in early adulthood. And what is more, while Abraham’s hospitality was inspired by the strangers’ representation of the Lord, the families who hosted me unconditionally showered me with their love simply because I was a guest. 

Sister, have you ever experienced such generosity? The charism of hospitality is so often overlooked, and one that acknowledges God’s presence in each one of us as made in His image. It is my prayer for each of us today that, guided by the Holy Spirit, we may share that gift with all those we encounter. We, too, like Abraham can show hospitality to the Lord.