Memorial of Saint
Benedict, abbot
(Genesis 44:18-21.23b-29.45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15)
St. Benedict started monasteries in different parts of
Italy and is considered as the Father of Western Monasticism. But his influence has gone far beyond
religious life fostering the roots of European civilization. The rule that he wrote for his monks
incorporates virtues like hospitality which gives the guest an honored place in
the host’s household. His monks were to
treat strangers as “another Christ.” In
today’s gospel Jesus also comments on hospitality.
Jesus tells his apostles that they can expect lodging
when they go to preach. “The laborer,”
he says, “is worth his keep.” But those
laborers have to bless the households that receive them with peace. This is not a trifling gesture but a word of
dynamic force because it is uttered by divinely commissioned apostles. Hospitality then invokes a blessing upon the
one who receives it and the one who gives it.
“My house is your house,” Latin-American people are fond
of saying. The phrase indicates that they
have assimilated the key Christian value.
When we respond, “Peace be with you,” we also manifest the Christian way
of life.
