Amanda Paxton on "Making Room" by Christine D. Pohl

I am alarmed to recognize the ways in which Christians have bought into the institutionalization of hospitality in the Western world.  I believe that the framework Pohl sets in Making Room describes much more than simply a Christian’s approach to sharing one’s home—it exposes a root of darkness and self-centeredness that shapes the way we do ministry as a whole in this part of the world.  Our willingness to allow strangers and travelers to accommodate themselves by commercial means represents our willingness to allow our ministry to become a “9-5” reality.  At the end of the day, ministry is “over” and the strangers go back to their hotel.  People who are paid to do such things can take care of our friends and neighbors while we protect our personal space and time.  To give of one’s own life is simply too much to ask.  I might find Jesus having something to say about that.  Pohl says, “Like Jesus, the best hosts are not completely ‘at home’ themselves, but still make a place of welcome for others.”  If we had no possession over our time and our things, as the Bible proposes, we would have nothing to be imposed upon.

I believe that there is value in understanding the hospitality of presence as well.  It is one thing to have the willingness to offer up one’s home and belongings for the benefit of another, but it is quite another thing to be hospitable with one’s time and presence.  The masses tracked Christ down when He was alone with His Lord and invaded His presence, and He had a choice about how He would receive them.  So many people show up on the doorsteps of our lives, and we are constantly making decisions about whether or not we have the time or attention to make them feel warmly welcomed into our presence.

Along another line, I was struck by the idea of a “true stranger.”  There are many who are “strange” to me, but I can know them by association with people or organizations which are familiar to me.  But there are some folks who are strangers to all.  There are some folks who have no saving associations that will give someone the security to allow them into a life.  Not until a risk is taken by someone, somewhere to become that association.  I would like to ask the church how we’re doing at eliminating foreigners and aliens in this world.  I feel as though the Bible may have something to say about that as well.