November 2009

My religion is kindness,” says the Dalai Lama – these are truly words to live by. Although I am not a betting person, I would be willing to bet that there is no one who has not at least once in their lifetime, experienced and been touched by the kindness of another – even if they never acknowledge it to anyone other than themselves. As we reflect on the approaching holiday season and perhaps consider ways in which we can be hospitable to those who are less fortunate than ourselves, let us remember that when we are hospitable, when we offer welcome that requires us to recognize the recipient. In order for us to accomplish this, to pay attention to and to listen to the other person, he/she must be visible to us. We cannot be hospitable and oblivious simultaneously!

“We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendship. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know.” Through his rich and wonderful words, Archbishop Desmond Tutu reminds us that in extending a hand to another, our hand is also touched in the giving. While hospitality suggests the roles of giver and receiver, guest and host if you will, I have come to realize that those roles are not always discrete categories; indeed I believe that quite often, there can be a true sharing of roles if we are willing to hold our place of privilege more lightly. If we are willing to engage in genuine mutuality, not only might we be unexpectedly blessed by the encounter, but we will have acted in ways that promote respect and that afford the protection and the upholding of the dignity of the other. Now that is priceless…