Henri Nouwen, the great spiritual writer went to a monastery for a retreat.
The monks observed vows of silence and the retreat was to be meditative and prayerful. Nouwen was delayed and was late getting to the monastery on a miserable, rainy night.
He rang the bell, well after bedtime, and was met at the door by one of the brothers. The brother warmly greeted him, took his wet coat, brought him to the kitchen and made him a cup of tea.
They chatted in the late night hours and Nouwen began to relax and feel ready for the retreat. But he knew this monk was supposed to observe silence, so he finally asked him, “Why are you willing to sit and talk with me?”
The monk replied “Of all the duties of the Christian faith and the rules of my order, none is higher than hospitality.”
Thanks to J. Burton Williams. In appreciation to Felix Mittermeier for the photo.
How do YOU make others feel, at home, at work and on vacation? Are YOU pleasant, kind and caring? Are people happy to be around YOU?
YOU CAN’T TRULY REST, UNTIL EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE RESTS IN GOD!!
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Father Laz, many thanks for your posts! They aren’t abstract musings that require a theology degree to grasp. Your reflections are grounded in real world examples and rooted firmly in Jesus’ teachings. They speak to the heart. Thank you. Karen Preston
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