At the heart of the Irish expression, céad míle fáilte, meaning “a hundred thousand welcomes,” is the understanding that each person that we meet is someone that we should receive with great care, dignity, and honor, because we would also like to receive that same care, dignity, and honor.
One of the people in my life that emulated this for me was my grandmother Hannah. I saw her one day with a pot of potatoes, and there must have been about 40 in there. I asked, “How many are you expecting for dinner, Nanny?”
She said, “Well, I don’t know. That’s the thing about potatoes,” and she winked at me. “They always seem to magically multiply in the pot” and so do visitors.
So there’s this beautiful understanding that my grandfather left me with, which is there’s always room for one more at the table. It’s a beautiful, inclusive, welcoming extension of sincerity and gratitude that teaches us a lot today.
Watch this brief video that accompanies chapter 11 of Braving the Thin Places.
Thank you for participating in our Lenten read-along of Braving the Thin Places! Share your thoughts about this week’s final reading in the comments below. And post your thoughts, favorite quotes, or reactions with #lentreadalong on social media.
I finished the book during holy hour before the cross in my church today. It was a fitting read before Good Friday service. I have been touched, deeply, by the whole premise and your thoughtful ways to stretch your readers. I don’t yet know what my long term response will be but I do know the idea of Meitheal is intriguing and welcome.
“A hundred thousand welcomes” – Long live the spirit of hospitality and welcome.
I recently bought your book, Braving the Thin Places and use it as a devotional. It is excellent. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I have Irish ancestry but have never been to Ireland. Your writing makes me want to visit the green isle. I really find your book an encouragement in my faith journey. God bless you and Happy Easter!
My Lenten journey has been enriched each day by the readings and prayers!
I looked forward each morning to my time spent in prayer.
Thank you all! Have a blessed Easter!