Ordinary 13

The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a; Psalm 89; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42

Since my retirement, I have two experiences when I gather for the Sunday Eucharist. When I come to a parish to preside, vestments on arm, I am warmly welcomed in the sacristy. People are helpful as I ask my questions. A wonderful, welcoming and hospitable experience. I know the experience of the prophet Elisha. Though no as yet has created me an In-Law Suite for overnights.

 

When I gather as David the experience is different. Usually no one speaks to me. I find a place among the pews. Worship and leave. No one knows I was there because I’ve encountered no one. I am not missed. It’s easy not to return.

 

Friends who have stopped gathering for the Eucharist disdainfully tell me, “Now you understand.” Now I do understand why many people no longer gather for the Eucharist or have left of other communities. The issue is more complex but…

 

Hospitality is more than greeters at church entrances handing out bulletins and worship aids. Though they have their place, they strike me as greeters at major box stores trying to offer an experience of the small mom and pop store, which they’re not, where neighborhood people were really known by the owners.

 

And that’s the difference. Hospitality is being known by someone not the semblance of being known. I don’t wear black or a Roman collar but just the knowledge that I am the priest or have vestments over my arm opens doors for me. In shorts, sandals and T-shirt, David is just another object[?] and doors remain closed.

 

Consider the woman of Shunem. [Do you mind if I call her, Shirley?]

Shirley invites Elisha into her home. Urges him. Dines with him. Converses with the prophet. Two people get to know each other which results in a relationship out of which she creates with her husband, Ben, a place not just on the roof for Elisha to stay but in their lives. That’s hospitality! It is relationship that nourishes both parties. It creates bonds.

Do you notice when there are new faces in the assembly on Sunday?

DO you notice?

How do you respond?

Do you engage?

I can’t say I’ve seen you here before. Are you visiting? A new parishioner? My name is… If you worship here next week, I sit in this area, I’ll keep an eye out for you.

 

Hospitality is not the sole responsibility of greeters, ushers or the clergy. It is the Gospel work of every member assembled here. And like Shirley, it happens, like so much ministry, one-on-one. Jesus preached to the crowds. Every other action of his was a one-on-one encounter with a person. Christianity is about encounter. The encounter of God with humanity. The encounter of two people.

 

When Jesus teaches today, he is speaking to his disciples, past and present. He said, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” But, let’s turn the table around for a moment. Who are the bearers of the message of Christ today? In whom is Jesus to be received?

 

A hint. You will recognize them because they are the wounded, lonely and abandoned among us. What the sacred scriptures name as the orphaned, the widowed and the stranger in our midst.

 

I was at a conference at Georgetown University this past weekend for Outreach, An LGBTQ Catholic Ministry founded by Fr. James Martin, SJ. Conferences are conferences. Places of information and networking. But this conference is different because it creates a safe place for gay and trans Catholics and their families and supporters. Though the atmosphere is changing, coldly worded Vatican documents and rising homophobia in our country hurt and alienate people. Are our parishes safe places where encounter takes place? Hanging a pride flag on a church is worthless, in my opinion. It is encounter that makes a difference. The encounter is us encountering Christ in them. “Whoever receives them receives me…”

 

Consider people who have incorrect or old information concerning, marriage, divorce, separation,

annulment, and the reception of the Sacraments. What is it like to gather here alone, if they enter our doors. Whom do these people encounter?

 

Adolescents to twenty and thirty-somethings. Young members who are seeking someone to listen to their questions and experiences. Is anyone willing to listen? No judgment. No pat answers.

 

Maybe you’re just lonely, no friendships with any depth, new to the area, not sure how to create friendships, unemployed, lost… There are a lot of people who are not looking for us to solve their issues but to listen, to be known by name, to be recognized. That’s hospitality.

 

We are overly concerned about Church decline, statistics and polls of all sorts. Is the Pope popular or not?  We offer programs upon programs. Talk of vocations ad nauseum. Just pray and all will be well. We keep looking for the silver bullet to fill pews, foster vocations, make things better.

 

Into this present situation of the Church, Shirley comes into our midst to teach us.

Introduce yourself. Engage in conversation. Share a cup of coffee. Talk about issues that matter: spiritual, political, moral, existential. And do it over and over again to deepen a relationship.

 

Become vulnerable. Reveal your fears and questions.

Not with everyone. But with someone.

 

With a prophet named Elisha or a new face in sandals, shorts and T-shirt.

 

 

 

 28 June 2026