philoxenia

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality…. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:13, 15)

Hospitality, in its essence, is an openness to the other, our readiness to become invested in the troubles, the sufferings, and the joys of the other--and our readiness to allow the other to approach and to participate in our common life, even if only for a short time. In this sense, hospitality is merely our own, small imitation of God's dealings with us in Jesus Christ.