Listening and Speaking to Visitors

Hospitality has traditionally been a hallmark of monasteries and monastic communities.  In medieval Europe, where travel could be long and trechurous, there was a need for havens of hospitality.  Monasteries became those places of rest that were safe to stop at for a brief respite.

The Rule of Benedict provides much instruction on the reception and the attitude towards guests and pilgrims.  Chapter 66 on the porter (gatekeeper, modern day receptionist) of the monastery gives us more insight into the role of hospitality in daily life. 

From the outset, St. Benedict states that the person is to be a wise listener who knows how to provide a response to the guest.  In a world that is flooded with noise, chaos and confusion, having a person who can take the time just to listen and be with you can be a real treasure.  As our lives become more hectic and time to just be and think needs to be scheduled into my day planner knowing that a person is there to listen even for a few minutes can be refreshing.  Benedict goes on to say that this person also needs to be someone who can provide a response.  In this case, the response might not necessarily be an answer to a need or a problem but might even be an incisive question or a fresh perspective on the matter at hand.  Sometimes, even just presence and silence can be seen as a response.

The receptionist is also to be mature and stable--not wandering away from their station unnecessarily.  In our time of voice mail, texting, instant messaging, and automated responses, the human interaction of seeing another face or having a live person on the other end of the phone can be grounding.  It is always a pleasant surprise to me when I call someone and there is an actual person answering rather than a recorded message.  I know that I desire that human contact in my life.

What can I do to become that wise receptionist for others in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Whose Feet Do You Wash?

What is the connection between monastic life, hospitality (RB ch58), the Sacred Triduum?

Monastic life is centered on seeing God's presence in the midst of the community. It's focus is mutual service in love for the good of the whole. It is reminiscent of the story in Genesis, in which Abraham greets the passing travelers and invites them to share in his spontaneous feast. In community we are invited to practice this type of hospitality in our daily encounters with those around us. We are challenged to find the face of God present in the needs of our sisters and brothers in need.

Hospitality calls me to open myself to the other and to whatever surprises might come from my daily encounters with others. I am presented with opportunities to open my heart wider in compassion for my neighbor. It is through hospitality that I can most clearly express my love and concern for God and neighbor and learn many life lessons. I am fortunate to have many teachers in this school of hospitality.

The Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) is a school of hospitality. From the great feast with the disciples in the upper room to the glorious realization of the Resurrection, hospitality is the cord that unites us in faith. Jesus' example of service and love in the washing of the feet of the disciples is only the first of these lessons on hospitality. Jesus' total surrender on the Cross for the sins of all is the ultimate manifestation of this life of total love and outpouring of self.

As we experience these most holy days, may Jesus' example of self-giving love guide our path.

Blessed Triduum,
Sr. Catherine, OSB