Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for He is going to say, "I came as a guest, and you received Me" (Matt. 25:35). And to all let due honor be shown, especially to the domestics of the faith and to pilgrims. As soon as a guest is announced, therefore, let the Superior or the brethren meet him with all charitable service. And first of all let them pray together,and then exchange the kiss of peace. For the kiss of peace should not be offered until after the prayers have been said, on account of the devil's deceptions. In the salutation of all guests, whether arriving or departing,let all humility be shown. Let the head be bowed or the whole body prostrated on the ground in adoration of Christ, who indeed is received in their persons. After the guests have been received and taken to prayer, let the Superior or someone appointed by him sit with them. Let the divine law be read before the guest for his edification,and then let all kindness be shown him.The Superior shall break his fast for the sake of a guest,unless it happens to be a principal fast day which may not be violated.The brethren, however, shall observe the customary fasts. Let the Abbot give the guests water for their hands; and let both Abbot and community wash the feet of all guests. After the washing of the feet let them say this verse:"We have received Your mercy, O God,in the midst of Your temple" (Ps.47:10). In the reception of the poor and of pilgrims the greatest care and solicitude should be shown, because it is especially in them that Christ is received; for as far as the rich are concerned, the very fear which they inspire wins respect for them.

My wife and I have very few guests. People do not just "stop by" our house at the end of a rocky mountain road. We seldom entertain.

One of the reasons we don't invite people over more often is my tendency to overdo the preparations.

Some of my over-exuberance is to honor the guests, but there is also more than a touch of display and pride. Benedict's encouragement to humility is well-offered.

My Aunt Rita would occasionally remind us, "we should treat our family as well as we treat our guests."

Hospitality - offered truly, generously, and in humility for the sake of the guest or family-member - is an expression and experience of grace.

Above shows St. Benedict and St. Paul having the same vision of God. From Devotional and Philosophical Writings.