NEWSLETTER INSERTS - ON HOSPITALITY, MARTHA AND MARY

"The first reading at Mass today is firmly connects hospitality and fertility. Offering hospitality is life-giving for those who offer it. Opening ourselves up to others and taking the risk to encounter new people takes us out of our safety and comfort zones but brings with it the promise of new hope, new friends and new life. This is the truth conveyed by the story of God visiting Abraham and Sarah in the form of three heavenly figures at the Oak of Mamre and prophesying the birth of Isaac".

Fr Billy Swan

“Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.”

Henri Nouwen

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:2

“When we’re distracted and discouraged, tired and overwhelmed, there is no better place to go than to our Father. He alone has what we need. Don’t snivel under a broom tree. Don’t hide in a broom closet. Go to the Lord and let him sweep away your discouragement.”

Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.

"The Gospel story of Martha and Mary is in tune with this holiday period, because it recalls the fact that the human person must indeed work and be involved in domestic and professional occupations, but first and foremost needs God, who is the inner light of Love and Truth. Without love, even the most important activities lose their value and give no joy. Without a profound meaning, all our activities are reduced to sterile and unorganised activism. And who, if not Jesus Christ, gives us Love and Truth?"

Pope Benedict XVI, 18^th July 2010.