Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Day 6

Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn,
and took care of him.
(Luke 10:34)

Lord, turn our churches into ‘inns’ to welcome those in need.

The man who fell into the hands of robbers was cared for by a Samaritan.  The Samaritan saw beyond prejudice or bias.  He saw someone in need and brought him to an inn.  “The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend’” (Luke 10:35).

In any human society, hospitality and solidarity are essential.  They require the welcoming of strangers, foreigners, migrants, and homeless people.  However, when faced with insecurity, suspicion, and violence, we tend to mistrust our neighbors.  Hospitality is an important witness to the Gospel, particularly in contexts of religious and cultural pluralism.  Welcoming ‘the other,’ and being welcomed in turn, is at the heart of ecumenical dialogue.  Christians are challenged to turn our churches into inns where our neighbors can find Christ.  Such hospitality is a sign of the love that our churches have for one another and for all.

When we, as followers of Christ, move beyond our confessional traditions and choose to practice ecumenical hospitality, we move from being strangers to being neighbors.