In his Rule, Benedict sets a challenging standard for monastic hospitality. Chapter 53, on the reception of guests, specifies all guests are to be welcomed as Christ.
We tend to think of hospitality as making ourselves look good. When we invite people to stay with us, we hope they feel impressively welcomed. We hope our homes will seem even more well organized than they usually are. We want to anticipate and avoid any unpleasantries. We want to give our visitors nice, relaxing stays.
Monasteries were known for hospitality long before there was a hospitality industry. In remote locations monasteries were among the few safe places for pilgrims to stay. Pilgrims and other guests are still shown proper honor. Monasteries, though, are not hotels.
Monastic hospitality is not concerned with providing ostentatious service. Monasteries are not five star hotels, putting their best foot forward. Visitors are invited to participate in the monastic community. Monastic hospitality is more about sharing our true selves than about being impressive.
The monastic hospitality we receive provides a place for us to freely enter. We are welcome, invited to come and see for ourselves.
A monastery is an excellent place to let go of whatever we may be holding tightly. We may be holding ourselves up, or holding ourselves back. There may be habits which were helpful in the past, but have outlived their usefulness. There may be expectations we have absorbed from others but are not our own.
Monasteries can be places for us to drop our masks and find our own true selves. As each person is welcomed into the community they are invited to take a step toward honesty.
How do you welcome people to find and be themselves?
Who invites you to take your next step toward your true self?
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