Hospitality and Humanity - July 22
Three good friends were sitting around a campfire and arguing about their faith. As the night went on, the argument became more heated and each one became convinced that their faith was the best. Of course, a wager was born. The bet was who could convert a bear. Well, the first gentleman wandered off into the woods and returned an hour later. He came limping back, returning with a few scraps and a big grin. “My friends, I have found a bear, we had a nice conversation, a little pushing and prodding, but I got him down to a stream and I sprinkled him with water. I am proud to say, that bear is now an Episcopalian!”
The next friend wandered off into the woods to return an hour later. However, he came hobbling back, somehow supported by two crutches, his arm was in a sling, his head had a bandage, and he was sporting an even larger grin. “Peace my friends. I found that bear, and we took a long walk to the lake. We wrestled for a little while and it took some effort to fully submerge him, but that bear came out of the lake praising Jesus. I am proud to announce that bear is now a Baptist.
The last friend left to find the bear. After a few hours, the other two became worried. When they can’t find their friend in the woods, one called the hospital to find that their friend had just been admitted. The doctor encouraged them to come as quickly as possible. They rushed over warned that they could only see their friend for a moment as he only had the strength to say a few words. They wandered in, and their friend, with all of his strength and energy let out with a gasp, ”Shalom my friends, the bear is now Jewish.” (I first told this joke in the seminary chapel for my senior sermon in October of 2012. In fairness, I learned it from a Rabbi of the largest synagogue in my hometown.
I spend a lot of time reflecting on our customs and practices and how people feel welcomed in Christian community. Our staff listened to a podcast interview this week with entrepreneur Danny Meyer about hospitality and humanity. We care about hospitality and our conversation prompted reflection on a couple who was visiting church last Sunday and one of them was overheard saying, “Am I doing this right?” We worry about boundaries and norms of communities and the potential for people to be seen as outsiders. If you have been around the Episcopal Church for a while, you have probably either heard someone refer to themselves or others as a cradle Episcopalian (or maybe you have referred to yourself this way) as if our longevity in a tradition is a badge of honor. Don’t worry, I’ve done it too. The argument about what it means to be a member of the faith is an age-old conversation that still seems so relevant today. It was certainly relevant in Acts, which shares the story of people coming down to Judea telling Christians they can’t be saved unless there are also circumcised. (Yes, that’s what I was suggesting happened to the bear if you missed it.)
We take a lot of pride in our tradition. I certainly do. But it might be a helpful reminder to know that the Body of Christ is not the Episcopal Church. All Christians are in this together. Really, all of humanity is in this common life together. Each week, as more and more begin to gather for worship, a reminder of what binds us together might be necessary. And the Acts of the Apostles remind us that it’s the Holy Spirit. And we all have it, even the two new people who have no idea about the Book of Common Prayer, or the person who stopped to come in because the church was pretty. No one is better than the other. And we all get to use our gift of hospitality to remind each other of that truth.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: When have you felt like an outsider in a church community? What made that change? How has that shaped your own practice of hospitality?
Daily Challenge: Listen to the Podcast about Humanity and Hospitality or just read the notes if you don’t have the time. Spend time reflecting on your own practice of hospitality.