I celebrate my birthday on All Saints Day and I have always felt a sacred obligation to remember all of the people in my “communion of saints”. These are people who are mostly unknown, very ordinary and usually overlooked. But they have met me in the day to day “stuff” of life, encouraging me to celebrate the sacred moment by moment. I thank them in a special way today.

As I reflect on hospitality, I realize that I find it difficult to extend hospitality to anyone who offers to help me. I can be fiercely independent and fend off offers of help. I pray that I learn both humility and gratitude as I surrender my pride and graciously accept help when it is offered. In this way, I can extend my hospitality to friends and strangers whenever they offer a helping hand.

I have always belonged to two churches.
The first one is the one I was baptized in. You know the one. The one with an altar, a crucifix, wooden pews and creeky kneelers. It can be judgmental and sometimes exclusionary.
The second one welcomes all comers. No need for genuflections or confessions or dress up clothes. It is a place of great diversity. An inclusive place where I can be myself. A place where a God is present in the most unusual yet genuine way. A place where neglected places and people are nurtured.

As I read this powerful and challenging reflection, I sit in the calm and quiet of my home. I notice how often I stray, my attention wandering away from all that God is doing at this very moment. Then I think of all of those in dire circumstances: COVID-19 victims gasping for breath, humans and animals running from raging fires, African Americans terrified of law enforcement, babies and children held in cages at our border. Evidence indicates that many of these have gone deep inside to find the faith that enables them to live fully or die fully. And I bow in humility at their courage and resolve to be more attentive to each moment. For each is overflowing with God.

Susan Kenney

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