Do not neglect hospitality, for through it, some have unknowingly entertained angels. (Heb. 13:2)
Today’s first reading’s account of the woman of Shunem reminded me of the above quote from the letter to the Hebrews and the frequent use of it by Servant of God, Dorothy Day. In the first reading, the woman of Shunem saw more than a traveler passing by. She recognized Elisha as “a holy man of God” and responded with generous hospitality. She didn’t simply offer a meal; she and her husband built a room where the prophet could rest. Her generosity was quiet, practical, and without expectation of reward. Yet, through that simple act of welcome, God transformed her life with the promise of a son. The author of Hebrews echoes this same spirit of hospitality in the above quotation.
For Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, this verse was not merely an inspiring quotation—it was a way of life. She believed that Christ comes to us in the stranger, the poor, and the forgotten. Her houses of hospitality were built on the conviction that every knock on the door might be an opportunity to welcome Christ himself.
The Shunammite woman and Dorothy Day remind us that hospitality is not primarily about entertaining guests; it is about making room for God. Every act of welcome enlarges our hearts and creates space for grace. We may never know how God will bless our generosity, but we can trust that no act of love offered in his name is ever wasted.
Today, perhaps we are not being asked to build a room for a prophet, but we are invited to make room in our schedules, our homes, and our hearts for those whom God places before us. In doing so, we may discover that we have welcomed not only another person, but Christ himself. Our summer days are marked by visiting and welcoming. Let us use this time as an opportunity to cultivate a spirit of welcome, not just for family and friends but for Jesus whom we meet in the stranger, the adversary and the marginalized.
NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS – I invite you to join me in praying for the newly ordained priests of our diocese. Last Saturday, Bishop Barres ordained Father Patrick O’Brien, Father Dillon Vita, and Father Nicholas Waldron to the Holy Priesthood. In addition, we pray for Father Herley Mendez who served in our parish in the summer of 2022 and has been ordained a priest for the diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. These new priests have been formed and prepared to meet the challenges of today and with the prayerful support of the faithful, these young priests will bring many to Christ and his Church.
WELCOME, FATHER REYNALDO OMAMALIN – This past week, Fr. Rey joined us as our new Associate Pastor, following the departure of Fr. Michael Iroh. Fr. Rey is a priest of the Diocese of Talibon in the Philippines. He has spent the last few months at St. Joseph’s in Kings Park as he prepared to take on a permanent assignment in our diocese. He will introduce himself at masses this weekend, and we look forward to getting to know him throughout the summer.
SUMMER PRIESTS – This week our friend Fr. Joe McCann returns for another summer. This summer marks 50 years of ministry at our parish for Fr. Joe. We are blessed to welcome him back.
THANK YOU, STEPHANIE MUHS – Sixteen years ago, Stephanie and her husband Anthony came to St. Rose to serve in ministries of Youth and Music. Stephanie has been a beloved minister of music at the 5:15 Mass, Parish Holy Hours and Divine Mercy Sunday. Stephanie and family have recently moved to a new home in Rocky Point, and therefore will no longer be able to regularly serve here at St. Rose. We anticipate that she will continue to be with us for our monthly parish holy hours and other special events. On behalf of our parish, I thank Stephanie for her beautiful voice and faithful witness.
I have known Anthony since he was in 7th grade and had the blessed privilege of celebrating his marriage to Stephanie. It has been a personal joy for me to spend these last five years with Stephanie. May God’s blessings be upon them and their family.
Peace!
