Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans have the perfect illustration of hospitality. It is between two families: the Dursleys and the Weasleys. The Dursleys are Harry’s awful uncle, aunt and cousin. They become Harry’s close family only because they are forced to. Though there is no room in the Dursley family for anyone that is from the outside, especially anyone who is not just like them. Even though Harry is closely related to them, he never feels that he actually belongs there.

            They Harry meets his best friend Ron. Ron’s family, the Weasleys are very different. Ron’s parents and six brothers and sisters are another close family. Though, they open the circle of the family and welcome him right inside. Harry’s first visit is a slight culture shock, because he has never been to a wizarding home before and does not know the things they take for granted – like talking mirrors or how to get rid of gnome infestations that plague the garden. Though, because they welcome him so warmly and sincerely, Harry feels that he belongs from the very first moment.

            As a church we can choose to be like the Dursleys or the Weasleys. We want to be a family, with al the warmth and ease of people who have known each other for a long time. To understand one another’s quirks. I want people to feel that sense of family the moment they come in the door, like guests invited into a friend’s  home – around the table to share a meal. But most importantly – we need to make sure that people become part of things – that the family feeling does not keep others out, like the Dursleys’, but welcomes others in, like the Weasleys’.