In the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Abba Apollos said: "'We must venerate the brothers who come by. It is not them we venerate but God; for when you saw your brother, you saw the Lord your God. We received this from Abraham,' he said; 'and when you receive [brothers] constrain them to take some refreshment." (Gen 18:3-5) Drawing inspiration from Abraham, the Fathers taught us that hospitality is not just courtesy-it is a sacred duty, a recognition of God in others.

Though such charitable acts are often seen as disruptive to contemplative life, hospitality was at the heart of Christian desert spirituality. Monks would pause their prayers and fasting to receive guests-believing that the one who knocks may be Christ Himself. This same spirit continued to flourish in the life of early hermits on Mt. Carmel who, though living in solitude, welcomed pilgrims with water, prayer, and food. Through their charitable deeds, we know that hospitality practiced in silence, with no need for display, is true virtue. It is not about abandoning solitude, but about transforming it into a gift for others.

The presence of Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha reminds us that the Lord treats them equally. Martha and Mary must go together. Contemplation does not exclude service-rather, it prepares us to serve more lovingly. God, she says, "walks even among the pots and pans." Fear not the interruptions that hospitality brings.