People like to think of themselves as friendly and welcoming. But at least in the spontaneous, instinctive sense of hospitality, times have changed. Today’s would-be casual visitor should ring first, dodge the various TV soaps and sports, while being aware of the growing “early to bed” regime. From gated developments, to security lighting, to doorbells that beckon fetchingly through a locked porch door – the edge has perhaps gone off the traditionally named “Ireland of the Welcomes.”

But turning to the neighbour is simply turning to the Gospel. “anyone who welcomes you welcomes me.” [gospel] We may think that unlike Elisha’s day of our first reading, Christianity is a non-prophet organisation, but we’re very wrong. Look closer and you’ll see Christ gazing back at you in every face and culture.

Ultimately hospitality is about attitude more than plenitude. Nineteenth Century writer Henry David Thoreau put it this way. “I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance and great attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. They talked of the fame of the vintage; but I thought of … purer wine, of a more glorious vintage, which they had not got, and could not buy.” Christian hospitality is much more than cups of tea, it’s about buckets of tolerance and understanding. It slakes the deepest thirst.

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )