Place at the table A

At a time when loneliness and isolation have reached unprecedented levels, it has never been more important for Christians to embrace the practice of hospitality. For many, it is a lost art – a practice we have forgotten, neglected or distorted beyond all recognition. Amid material comforts and rife individualism, practising hospitality can often hold unrealistic expectations and insurmountable pressure. But what if the practice of hospitality was simpler and yet more profound than we imagined?

From the simple act of preparing vegetables to the warm welcome of a stranger, co-authors Miranda Harris and her daughter Jo Swinney re-define hospitality for the modern age. Drawing on biblical insights and a deep well of experience – most significantly within the community in the A Rocha family – this is a warm invitation to embrace the loving kindness of others. To be hospitable doesn’t require culinary excellence or matching cutlery – it doesn’t even require a home of one’s own; true hospitality offers a welcome into imperfection and messiness, a place to belong and be embraced.

Following the progression of a meal, from its planning to the moment every guest has departed, A place at the table is a heart-warming invitation into a life of thoughtful food preparation, shared meals and meaningful conversation.