The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus

by Rich Villodas

In the practice of hospitality, the goal is not to convert anyone (as if we could). The objective is not to corner someone and obtrusively preach at him or her. The reason we are hospitable is to open our hearts to others in the way God has opened his heart to us. I have found that as spaces are created, conversations on faith naturally emerge. As theologian Henri Nouwen said, “Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”