We claim to be hospitable to guests. Atithi devo bhavah — loosely translated as “Guest is God” — is often quoted not only in ashrams, where guests are warmly welcomed, but also by tourism departments which are often more interested in the guests’ income rather than in welcoming them. Today, amidst much feasting, fasting, prescriptions and proscriptions about food, let’s reflect upon guests.
The Bible has two guest-types: Unexpected guests, and invited guests. Unexpected guests would often enjoy lavish hospitality rituals of the ancient world while invited guests were called to witness key events and enter into a relationship with the host. Indeed, messengers from God unexpectedly came as guests and blessed their hosts.
Much as there is an elaborate code of hospitality and a standard of guest etiquette exists for both unexpected and invited guests. The invited guest who is welcomed into the host’s home has the duty of being faithful to the relationship (namak halal). We are all guests at the cosmic table — savouring the bounty of mother nature and the blessings of God.
The psalmist says: “I am your passing guest, Lord, an alien, like all my ancestors.” As passing guests, are we grateful to God for so much we consume? And, as God’s invited guests, are we ready to enter into a relationship with all of God’s children, everywhere? Biblical passages with Jesus as an uninvited guest lead to the transformation of the host — like the tax-collector, Zacchaeus.
While as an invited guest of Simon, the Pharisee, he condemns his hypocrisy and judgmental attitude. Jesus invites guests from all nations to the final banquet. Being a grateful guest is perhaps more difficult than being a generous host, for it requires accepting whatever is offered and in whatever way it is offered. Let’s share all we receive, and move on as pilgrims. Remember, guests always bring happiness — if not on arrival, then on departure.
Francis Gonsalves is a professor of theology.
He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com
