THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
When Sarah realized that her innermost thoughts were laid bare to the Visitor, she did not acknowledge her laughter but insisted, “I did not laugh.” Her heart was heavy with fear. Scripture attributes her reaction to her weakness, noting, “For she was afraid.” Yet the patriarch reassured her, asserting, “No, you laughed.” Although it was merely a thought in her heart, she could not conceal anything from the omnipotence of Him who has come; she should not deny what had transpired, nor equate one sin with another. We are on the brink of receiving immense blessings, all stemming from our unique act of hospitality.
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Let us follow his example and be more mindful of our welcoming spirit, not solely to earn temporary and fleeting rewards, but to prepare ourselves for the eternal blessings of the life to come. By doing so, we will also be privileged to welcome Christ, who will receive us in the heavenly dwellings that have been readied for those who love Him, and we will hear Him say: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” For what reason? “For I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed Me” (Matthew 25:34-35). How simple is that? Yet, He does not instruct us to pry into the backgrounds of those we seek to assist. He says, simply perform your duty, regardless of whether the traveler is destitute or appears insignificant, for whatever kindness you extend to them, I consider as done to Me. Hence, He adds: “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). Therefore, let us not overlook the profound blessing of hospitality, but strive to make this wonderful endeavor a daily practice, aware that our Lord demands from us not an abundance of extravagant meals, but a heart filled with hospitality, actions rooted in love and sincere intention rather than mere words. The wise one also declared: “A word is better than giving” (Sir. 18:16). Often, a thoughtful word brings greater comfort to the needy than material assistance. Consequently, understanding this, let us never respond harshly to those who approach us; but when we have the means to aid their needs, let us do so with joy and pleasure, as if we received more from them than we offered. If we are unable to assist them, let us at least avoid being unkind; rather, we should greet them with gentle words. Why should we treat them roughly? Are they compelling you? They come asking, humbly pleading; someone who does so does not deserve cruelty. And what do I mean by asking and pleading? They bring us countless opportunities for kindness, all for the sake of a small token. Yet, we are reluctant to extend even that. Can we expect mercy from God under such circumstances? What justification do we possess when we feast abundantly, often beyond our needs, yet refuse even a small offering to the poor, and doing so when we could gain countless blessings in return? Oh, how grave is our negligence! What immense rewards we forfeit through this! We deprive ourselves of the means of salvation that God bestows upon us, failing to contemplate the insignificance of our small acts of charity relative to their great rewards. Instead, we hoard our resources, allowing rust to consume our wealth, or, more accurately, we safeguard it for would-be thieves. We allow numerous garments to decay, yet we hesitate to distribute what goes unused, which could instead be saved for our benefit and lead us to receive unfathomable blessings. May we all find ourselves worthy of these blessings, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.