4 Ways Couples Can Practice Hospitality this Winter
/CARISSA PLUTA
Practicing hospitality is an act of service that invites others into a deeper relationship with their fellow man and with God. And as John Paul II said above, it should be a habit fostered in our day to day life.
Married couples can live out this call in a unique way, especially during this time of the year which highlights the warmth and delight that comes with this gift of hospitality.
Open your home to out of town visitors
Do you have any family or friends coming from out of town this winter? If you have the space, consider offering them a place to stay instead of them staying at a nearby hotel.
Opening up your home is the most obvious way to practice hospitality, but also one accompanied by the most stress. Let go of the pressure of making your house absolutely perfect before inviting others into it, and focus on creating a space for others to feel welcomed and loved.
Celebrate one of the many winter feast days
The Church’s liturgical calendar invites the faithful dive deeper into the rich history and traditions of our faith.
Intentionally living with the liturgical year can easily include friends or family. Earlier this month, for instance, my husband and I invited several friends over for a taco dinner and praying a rosary in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The winter months have many beautiful feast days and solemnities worth celebrating. You might want to plan a Catholic themed White Elephant/Secret Santa exchange on the Feast of the Epiphany or you can invite other couples over for donuts after mass on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
Get creative!
Show some love to your neighbors
Communities often experience a willingness to grow in friendship as the holidays approach. So if you’ve been hoping to get to know your neighbors a bit better, take advantage of the warm feelings that accompany this time of year.
You can deliver a tin of homemade cookies or offer hot chocolate to people as they shovel the snow off their drive- way.
Taking time to get to know the people that live closest to you can really improve the strength of a community, and fulfills Jesus’ command to love your neighbor.
Invite friends to pray Vespers or Compline
If you are looking for a strong way to finish out Advent or even a spiritual resolution for the new year, consider praying one of the hours in the Divine Office.
The Divine Office extends the Liturgy found in the mass into one’s daily life and activities. It fulfills the Lord’s order to, as St Paul’s said in his letter to the Thessalonians, “pray without ceasing.”
You can easily invite other members from your parish or your friends to join you in praying evening prayer (Vespers) or night prayer (Compline) once a week. Make an evening out of it by offering drinks and desserts to enjoy beforehand.
