Article February 5, 1944 Issue

Scientific Hospitality

MARY A. OWEN

Throughout both the Old and the New Testament may be found admonitions to practice hospitality. Many of the most helpful Biblical narratives have as a background instances of the exercise of this rightful activity. The first miracle performed by Jesus of which we have record was the changing of water into wine, to show the power of Mind, that those present might partake of the divine inspiration which this miracle brought to the marriage feast. Jesus himself repeatedly instructed his followers to show forth loving-kindness in practical ways, saying, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

What is the true essence of scientific hospitality? Is it not a quality of Soul, of Love, a visible evidence that the one extending it and the one accepting it unite in recognizing God as the Giver of all good? Without a genuine desire to bless on the part of the host and an equally earnest willingness to be graciously receptive on the part of the guest there can be no true manifestation of hospitality. The poet's

"Not what we give, but what we share,—
For the gift without the giver is bare,"

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