A sermon preached at Zion, North Branford

2nd Sunday of Pentecost, year A

June 26, 2011

The Rev. Lucy D. LaRocca

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

Many churches these days have what is referred to as the Hospitality Committee, a small group of individuals who take turns preparing the beverages and baked goods for coffee hour. This is an important ministry; fostering community and offering welcome in our places of worship. Hospitality has deep roots in the history of humanity.

In the ancient near east, the practice of hospitality was not just an extra nicety, it was a matter of life and death. In Hebrew the word most connected to hospitality is xeno, meaning foreigner, stranger, and even enemy. It is the root of the words for host, and guest, and for the practice of welcoming. Our spiritual ancestors recognized that they had a sacred obligation to nourish and protect those traveling through harsh environments, regardless of past history between their respective groups, regardless of differences in belief or custom. And they found that welcoming the stranger; offering food, water, and a place of safety and rest led to encounters with God.

Abraham and Sarah prepared a meal for strangers that wandered past their camp. During the visit, the three guests revealed the fulfillment of Godºs promise to them. Throughout the Hebrew scriptures God is revealed as gracious host. God provides manna in the desert for the Israelites fleeing persecution. Isaiah prophesies that one day God will prepare a heavenly banquet for all.

Jesus proclaimed that Godºs kingdom has already broken into our world. He calls us to participate in that holy hospitality and practice of welcome, promising that as we open ourselves to one another, we open ourselves to God. Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks. Will we open the door of our hearts? This is what it is to be church, this is the foundation on which we are to build.

In my third year of seminary, the entire class spent a week at Canterbury Cathedral as guests of the International Student Center there. The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, this cathedral is the symbolic center of the Anglican Communion. In the center of the cathedral floor, a large compass rose points to the spread of Anglicanism around the globe.

What caught my attention were the enormous stone columns of that cathedral. Each column set on the foundation of the cathedral was responsible for holding up its share of the massive weight of the roof. This task is accomplished by the arches that hold the columns together. The arches create a space by both the proximity and the distance of the columns in relation to one another. If the columns are too close to one another, there would not be enough room in the cathedral. If the columns are too far away from one another, the arch will collapse. On the grounds of the cathedral are the ruins of the first church built on that site. Parts of that foundation are scattered here and there. In one place, it is only the arch of a window that remains intact.

It seems to me that an arch would be fitting symbol for the Anglican Communion of which we are a part. In response to religious divisions in the 16th century, Elizabeth 1st revised the Book of Common Prayer, combining elements from liturgies of those with differing Eucharistic theology, giving rise to what is known as the Via Media, the Middle Way of Anglicanism. If we insist that each branch of the church think and worship and interpret Scripture in exactly the same way, it will be like columns that are too close together. And if we refuse to stay in relationship with those who differ from us, all will collapse. When we get it right, when we can stay in the place of both relationship and tension, we create that middle ground, a holy space where the peace of God can be encountered.

Zion church is such a place of welcome and worship. I love the arch here in our sanctuary. It speaks to me of holy space that has been carved out for us. We will inevitably experience the tensions that come from being with those who have differing points of view. (This is true for those in any committed relationship that has lasted longer than a few months!)

When we can break bread together around Godºs table, Christ is our host, and Christ each guest. We are in Communion as we gather with other followers of Christ and offer each other the space needed to be the people God has created each to be. Being in fellowship with only like minded individuals is a club, not a church. We are called to something more, a holy hospitality with roots in ancient practice and the promise of the presence of God.

Each act of hospitality, no matter how small, is of utmost importance. A cup of cold water, a conversation, a courtesy shown, each of these are simple acts of reconciliation and grace that bring in the kingdom of God. Hospitality is not just the ministry of a few; rather it is a spiritual discipline to be practiced by all Christians. Let us continue day by day to keep our hearts and minds open to God and one another and to the opportunities we are given to act in holy hospitality.

Amen