Let All Guests Who Arrive Be Received Like Christ
The sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving guests with the same love and humility as Christ, highlighting acts of service and care for the less fortunate.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of receiving all guests with the same hospitality and honor as if they were receiving Christ Himself, as mentioned in Matthew 25:35. He instructs that guests should be greeted with charitable service, prayer, and the kiss of peace after prayers. The act of showing humility and adoration towards guests is a way of honoring Christ who is present in them. St. Benedict also highlights the significance of caring for the poor and pilgrims, as they represent the presence of Christ in our midst.
Text
Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ,
for He is going to say,
"I came as a guest, and you received Me" (Matt. 25:35).
And to all let due honor be shown,
especially to the domestics of the faith and to pilgrims.
As soon as a guest is announced, therefore,
let the Superior or the brethren meet him
with all charitable service.
And first of all let them pray together,
and then exchange the kiss of peace.
For the kiss of peace should not be offered
until after the prayers have been said,
on account of the devil's deceptions.
In the salutation of all guests, whether arriving or departing,
let all humility be shown.
Let the head be bowed
or the whole body prostrated on the ground
in adoration of Christ, who indeed is received in their persons.
After the guests have been received and taken to prayer,
let the Superior or someone appointed by him sit with them.
Let the divine law be read before the guest for his edification,
and then let all kindness be shown him.
The Superior shall break his fast for the sake of a guest,
unless it happens to be a principal fast day
which may not be violated.
The brethren, however, shall observe the customary fasts.
Let the Abbot give the guests water for their hands;
and let both Abbot and community wash the feet of all guests.
After the washing of the feet let them say this verse:
"We have received Your mercy, O God,
in the midst of Your temple" (Ps.47[48]:10).
In the reception of the poor and of pilgrims
the greatest care and solicitude should be shown,
because it is especially in them that Christ is received;
for as far as the rich are concerned,
the very fear which they inspire
wins respect for them.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the theme of hospitality - Biblical basis for receiving guests - Importance of humility in reception
- II points: - Prayers and the kiss of peace - Order of reception - Avoiding deception in hospitality
- III points: - Acts of kindness towards guests - Reading of divine law for edification - Breaking fast for the sake of guests
- IV points: - Washing of feet as a sign of service - Significance of the verse after washing - Special care for the poor and pilgrims
Key Quotes
“Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“We have received Your mercy, O God, in the midst of Your temple.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“In the reception of the poor and of pilgrims the greatest care and solicitude should be shown.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make it a practice to greet every guest with warmth and respect, reflecting Christ's love.
- Incorporate prayer into your hospitality to invite God's presence into your gatherings.
- Show special attention to those in need, recognizing that serving them is akin to serving Christ.