In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the meaning of discipleship. Jesus tells us that true hospitality flows from our love of God. As we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, we must keep God at the center of our lives.
    
The Constitution of the United States tell us that we have rights, given to us by God. The most fundamental truth is that we are created equal in God’s eyes. When we forget that God is at the center of our lives, we can forget that we are all human. Today’s Gospel reminds us that the goal of our discipleship is to love one another. The cost of discipleship is to forget about ourselves and concentrate on God’s kingdom.

Hospitality is central to understanding our service to God. The welcome that we offer to each other is the welcome that we offer to the Lord. God’s love is always welcoming. Sometimes, division is caused in families and nations because we want to choose who deserves our welcome. The Christian community must be welcoming to all.