⁴⁰ “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous, ⁴² and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

NRSVUE

This passage reminds me of the Benedictine teaching to receive all guests as one would receive Christ: “whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Hospitality was a key virtue for Jesus’ disciples, both culturally and religiously, so this was not a surprising teaching. It is a call to offer hospitality to others—prophets, the righteous, these little ones; to offer shelter, food, company, or even just a cup of cold water.

Except, when I considered this passage recently, I realized that Jesus is not commending his disciples to welcome others. Yes, for the people out in the world who will welcome the disciples this is an encouragement to offer hospitality. But for the people Jesus is talking to? This is a conversation about how they should receive hospitality.

I believe we are called to both give and receive hospitality. While church folks tend to put the most emphasis on offering hospitality, I wonder if it isn’t sometimes more of a challenge to receive hospitality, because then we have less control than when we offer it. When we are welcomed by others we don’t set the menu or the thermostat or the schedule.

So being a guest can be a little disconcerting at times. It can also be wonderful. I have experienced deep and holy hospitality from Benedictine communities in Atchison, Kansas and Madison, Wisconsin. The women of these communities have welcomed me with warmth, provided abundant sustenance—both physical and spiritual—and allowed me to dwell with them in their peaceful, joyful space. I know I have been blessed by their welcome.

According to Jesus’ words here, they have also been blessed by welcoming me. Somehow I have been a bit of Christ for them, have brought a bit of prophetic energy and righteous reward. It feels awkward to think that (and type it), but I suppose it is true.

Maybe that is the most difficult part of receiving hospitality—to know that we are worthy of welcome, that we are Christ for others just as they can be Christ for us.