Letter of the Day | Let’s not forget that spirit of hospitality is engrained in our culture

​THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica has a proud history of welcoming people from many lands with warmth and hospitality. Opening our shores and our hearts to those in need is a profound expression of Christian charity. Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." (Matthew 25:35–36)

When the righteous ask, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" Christ answers, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:37–40)

The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 also teaches us a valuable lesson. Faced with a hungry multitude, a young boy offered his humble lunch of five loaves and two fish. Though it seemed insufficient, Christ blessed and multiplied the gift, feeding thousands and leaving baskets of food to spare. Likewise, Jamaica need not fear sharing what we have. Like that little boy, if we offer our "five loaves and two fish" with generosity and faith, God can multiply our efforts and turn small acts of compassion into abundant blessings for many.

Acts of kindness and compassion make us liberators – helping to remove the shackles of poverty, despair, and exclusion. By extending a helping hand to those who seek refuge, opportunity, or a better life, we affirm the values that have long defined the Jamaican spirit.

In doing so, we give practical meaning to our national motto, "Out of Many, One People," and to the words of our national anthem. We demonstrate that a nation becomes stronger when it cherishes the weak, protects the vulnerable, and welcomes the stranger with humanity and grace. As the anthem reminds us, "Teach us true respect for all, stir response to duty's call". Those words are never more meaningful than when we respond with compassion to those who stand in need of our help.

HELEN-ANN ELIZABETH