Apostolate February 12
Religious life in common fulfills its prophetic function when the example given by its members challenges all people, Christian and non-Christian, to bestow on each person they meet a love that is universal and without regard for human rank (Const. 15. 2).
From the beginning of the history of our Crosier monasteries, it was as though there were a sign on the door that said, “Welcome, participants of the Crusades, pilgrims, the sick.” The tradition of hospitality was constant in our communities, even in times of decline when the too open door prejudiced religious discipline. To have a healthy commitment to hospitality is correct because without this gesture of being close to people there is no real possibility of ministry. Jesus welcomed everyone, even his enemies. He let people get close to him, even close enough to touch. In the end, language, tribe, skin color, nationality, economic status, beauty, health, intelligence, morality, belief, dress, hygiene, social position, etc., meant nothing to him. It was his unconditional welcome that counted, because without allowing everyone who bore the tarnished image of his Father to get close, he could not be their Sacrament of Salvation. To open the door is the first gesture that brings about the Kingdom of God.
It’s the quality of the gourd that allows you to drink certain wines. (Bamileke)
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