Our hospitality should not be practised as an exceptional action, rather as a normal response to those who enter into our sphere not anticipating our neighborly generosity. Our sharing of our life's benefits may well reflect our wish to invite into our life, even for a short visit those who unexpectedly arrive at our garden gate with no idea why they stopped to admire our flowers and plants. Our Father will often test our faith in His ways, by inviting into our orbit those who we welcome with the understanding that He is also present anticipating being offered a glass of water to quench His thirst.
In Greek villages strangers are invited into a garden offered coffee, and a dish of fruit preserves per tradition. I have been delighted by the quality of the coffee, and cherries served with a wish to know more about me, and why I chose to tour my recently acquainted host's village. Names are exchanged, and a conversation ensues leading to an hour or so of socialable interaction. The Greek word filoxenia transliterates as friendship offered to a stranger, a value practised with an awareness that reciprocation enables all to benefit when serving those who are unknown to us. This Greek tradition reaches back into ancient times with the understanding that neighborliness should not be confined to those whom we greet every day.
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
~ Matthew 22:36-40
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