Articles by Matilda Chase
Reverend Chase is the half time interim pastor of The Olivet United Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA. She serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor, PA. She also works for the Iona Community New World Foundation in the United States. Rev. Chase is completing her training as a contemplative Spiritual Director with the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation in Lancaster, PA. In her spare time she plays violin in the East Stroudsburg University/Community Orchestra, is learning to be a potter, and enjoys knitting.
by Matilda G. Chase
Travel in the ancient mid-east was treacherous and so when strange travelers showed up in a community, they were welcomed, given food, water, and foot washing as a way of providing hospitality, and also for protection of the host. Once travelers were offered food and rest, they were less likely to attack or steal from the host’s community.
