It could be argued theologically that a primary lens for reading the scripture would be through the lens of hospitality. The message of the Christian gospel is a message of radical hospitality. We are called to recognize in and through Jesus Christ that God's relationship to us is radically and relentlessly invitational and hospitable. In turn we are called to embody that same (or at least an imperfect version of it) radical and relentless invitation and hospitality to others; that is the spaces we are called to great and inhabit as Christ followers.
Hospitality and invitation can mean lots of things. In some of the most concrete manifestations it means belonging, shelter, good and sustaining work to participate in, and nourishment and sustenance in all the ways that human beings must be nourished to thrive. At Urban Grace we have often used the language that we are a community trying to embody the truth of "belonging to believe". Meaning, believing is not what most often leads to belonging but belonging and modeling that belonging for ourselves and others is what most often facilitates belief or trust.
At Urban Grace we have much to learn and our work is a drop in the bucket. However, long before I ever set foot in this place and brought catchy language to our practices the work had begun. We are still trying to carry on that work. One place in particular is our Sunday Morning breakfast where volunteers from all over the county including faith communities, fraternities, scout troops, and many other organizations join with our own community volunteers to serve breakfast to 150-200 folks. Many (but not all) are homeless or very low income. The food is good and plentiful. The space is warm, relatively safe, and well organized. The people providing that space are not just there to serve but to build friendships and relationships. To help where they can help and to also just hold the space with someone when nothing can be done and all that is really needed is just a listening ear. There is prayer. There is conversation. There is hospitality being practiced from everyone, those serving, and those being served. That is the things about hospitality: when it is done well you forget who the host and guest is, it no longer matters.
*January 8th is Rev. Monroe’s last Sunday
as Senior Pastor of Urban Grace Church.
