The pandemic has left us with a heightened awareness of the activities of the hospitality industry. The word ‘hospitality’ has gone up in the world. It now has shed its informal overtones and has become something people pay for. It involves brewers, distillers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, cooks, waiters, chambermaids and all the other employees who ensure people eat and sleep well.
The ancient world of Greeks and Romans was familiar with hospitality. We all remember from our junior school days stories of Procrustes and Damocles. Procrustes, you remember, offered hospitality provided the guests conformed with requirements. If the bed was too small Mr P. would cut off a foot or two from his visitor. If the visitor was too short, Procrustes would rack him. Damocles liked his visitors to understand the fragility of the human condition. A naked sword dangling by a single hair above their heads (particularly if they were sycophantic) reminded them of life can be swept away in a moment.
Hospitality was not so much promoted as already a secure part of the new faith urged upon eastern Mediterranean peoples by Paul and his colleagues. We see this in Romans 12.13 and1 Peter4.9. Households having received the Gospel would be expected to be friendly, generous and welcoming to strangers. Lydia is a good example hospitality in the early Church (Acts 16.15). She ‘insisted’.
ADVICE AND SUPPORT IN LEEDS
Working with the NHS, St George’s centre in Leeds offers advice and support and information about the NHS. St George’s crypt has a long history of welcoming people needing a meal or clothing. It was founded in 1930 by Percy ‘Don’ Robbins. The CEO leading a strong team is Chris Fields.
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