“Hospitalidade compassiva" : hermenêutica hospitaleira do reino de Deus

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation addresses the category of hospitality for a hermeneutic reading of the good news of the gospel of Jesus, more specifically, the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. The writings of the First Testament are analyzed in order to outline hospitality as a cultural and religious norm throughout the history and identity formation of the Jewish people, who receive it as a divine mandate in view of welcoming the stranger. Based on the coming of Jesus, the irruption of the Kingdom of God is presented and, with it, the beginning of the time of salvation, thus revealing the merciful face of God and giving new meaning to the love of God and neighbor. The Kingdom of God is elucidated through a hospitable hermeneutic, in which Jesus is revealed as a guest, in his simplicity and need for shelter, and, at the same time, as a host, offering support and communion to the excluded and needy people. The commandment of love is presented as a core message and as an effective form of hospitality which gives rise to the Kingdom of God, and, from a narrative analysis, the parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10,25-37) is used as a reference and expression of love of God and neighbor that generates warm reception and compassion, the highest and deepest aspects of hospitality. Hence, a model of compassionate hospitality is provided, firmly anchored in the free and merciful act of God, who offers Himself as a path, broadening horizons and promoting dialogue and acceptance in the inclusive perspective of hospitable love.