Hospitality

I recently heard someone talk about the effectiveness of evangelism and what Scripture has to say about the purpose of the "church," meaning all Christians, beginning with the great commission found at the end of Mathew. But the speaker went on to explain exactly what it is that Jesus is calling us to do. He landed on the passage from Luke 4:18-19:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
   because he has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
   and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
  to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
This is what we, the people of God, are called to as well.
So how do we do this? How do we unpack this and make connections with people who need to be set free and brought to a life of wholeness with Christ, and in every area of their lives?
What did Jesus do?
He invited.
"When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." --Luke 14:12
So much of what Jesus did was to reach out beyond what was considered appropriate in His day. Many who observed Him said that He was a friend of sinners. 
Most of us have had some experience with entertaining. But not many of us are really good at hospitality. When you entertain, everything has to be just so. When you practice hospitality you are preparing a table at which God's love can show up. How many of us will do that simple thing? Opening our homes and allowing people in--this simple act of kindness could transform our homes into sacred places where God Himself meets with those He longs to set free.  Will you join me?