Radical Hospitality and Belonging
Last year at the Proclaim Lismore Staff days Jesse Manibusan challenged us all towards an ideal of ‘radical’ hospitality. Do you remember this activity we participated in?
Imagine what radical hospitality and belonging look like?
We might imagine our school as a place where every student and staff member is welcomed, accepted and loved for who they are - a beloved of God who intrinsically belongs. We never really know what a person might be feeling or going through when they set foot in our school. By offering a genuine smile, a sincere greeting or an encouraging chat, we invite others into the same experience of transformation people had hundreds of years ago through their encounter with Jesus; they were welcomed, seen and loved.
Now imagine if we offered the same radical hospitality and belonging to ourselves? What if we became deeply aware that we are a beloved of God who is welcomed and intrinsically belongs. What if we extended more kindness to ourselves? More time to our self-care and wellbeing? As we care for ourselves, we create greater space and presence to care for others. By realising the truth of who we really are, we begin to see and welcome others as who they truly are.
We genuinely welcome you back. You are welcomed. You are seen. You belong.
Welcome the Stranger
A reflection by Fr Peter Slack
