Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter May 6, 2004 Scripture: Acts 13:13-25; John 13:16-20 Reflection: What do Paul, John the Baptist, Jesus and we have in common? We are all messengers of God with a story to tell. We all have a story to tell, not only with our words but also with our lives. Thus, our role as a messenger is two fold: first, I must extend hospitality to another, creating that sacred welcoming space where I can really hear the story another needs to tell. This means that I must not only listen in the stillness of my heart for the voice of God, but that I must be willing to hear the Word of God in another. It means welcoming others on their own terms, setting aside my own agenda so that I will, really, be open to hear, welcome, and embrace the Word of God in another. And to welcome another is to invite God in. Second, to extend hospitality also means to extend loving service, caring for others, to serve the needs of others. God comes in every voice, behind every face, and I must be open to welcoming those different from myself. We are all invited to be messengers of God, to have the courage to speak the Word of God not only with our words but also with our lives of loving service. Suggested Action: Be open! Create a welcoming spirit in your life today by taking in one new possibility, one new idea, one new person, or one new experience. Then reflect on what this is saying to you about you and about God. Sr. Ruth Harkins, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania