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"In the light of God's Call , and our situation here, our vision is to respond to God's love and live our lives in ways that will attract people to Christ. As an inclusive, encouraging and listening Church, we value all who share our fellowship. We seek to nurture, teach and nourish people so that guided by the Spirit, we may seek new ways of being the Church. We will develop the ministry of all, may seek new ways of being the Church. We will develop the ministry of all. Using the gifts we have been given and the building we have inherited, we will create new opportunities for serving our community and so proclaim Christ and His Kingdom."
The words I have highlighted are about our Hospitality as a Church; opening our doors and hearts to all who come to us seeking the love of God, however they might express that need. It is also about our acceptance of people as they are and so opening them to God's grace which transforms us all. In the monastic tradition, especially in its Benedictine and Celtic expression, the importance of the ministry of hospitality is based on the belief that Christ is in everyone so to welcome the stranger and the seeker is to welcome Christ.
Today's Gospel tells of the visit Jesus made to the home of Simon the Pharisee. His motive in inviting Jesus is unclear but is also mixed. When a woman who was a sinner came into the house, righteous judgement and anger come to the fore. The hospitality of Simon is a sham. The woman anointed Jesus with perfumed ointment. This incident is moved by St John to the Monday before the Crucifixion. Luke places it here because he wants to contrast the attitude of the Pharisees with those ordinary people who yearn to know God and be forgiven and made whole by him. The contrast is made more stark by what Jesus says. It is the woman who was truly showing hospitality. She made an extravagant gesture which came straight from the heart. Jesus blessed her for it, forgave her sin and set her heart at peace. Jesus has an inclusive view of humanity. All can be saved and all may be saved if they but accept Jesus as the God who comes to open all hearts to the possibility of God's saving love. Only those who refuse it and those who turn against others who seek it will be outside that salvation. It isn't that God turns us away but that we can turn our backs on God. Some can do this, like Simon, whilst behaving outwardly religious. Jesus, however, can see right into the heart.
Our welcoming and acceptance of others must be authentic. If we really are an inclusive encouraging and listening church then our hospitality must be real and joyful. We must anoint all visitors with the perfume of our love.
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