Readings: Gen 18:1-10; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42
By welcoming Strangers, We Invite God into Our Space.
1. Last Sunday, we reflected on the story of the good Samaritan. The parable was prompted by the lawyer asking Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him, “What is written in the law?”The lawyer answered him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus told him, “Do this, and you will live.” The ‘Good Samaritan’ parable emphasizes the love of neighbor, while today’s readings highlight the love of God. We must love God with our whole being since all that we are and have come from God. God must come first before anything else. We owe God adoration, loyalty, and worship.
2. In the first reading, Abraham shows hospitality to strangers. He offered them a place to rest and a meal to nourish and strengthen them. As the material food nourishes and strengthens them, so does the Eucharist nourish our souls during our pilgrim journey on earth. Abraham’s hospitality was handsomely rewarded. “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” (Gen. 18:10). Christ comes to us as a beggar; a stranger in need of shelter; immigrants running away from starvation due to oppressive and repressive government, the rich in need of a friend, or as the lonely looking for consolation and love. Like Abraham, Mary, and Martha, we must reach out to those in need. Jesus assures us, “So long as you did it for the least of my people, you did it for me.”(Mt. 25:40). By welcoming strangers, we invite God into our space. When we pray, we reciprocate God’s generosity. Prayer frees us to do things well with God’s power, strength, and blessing. According to St. Therese of Lisieux, Prayer is a surge of the heart; a simple look turned toward heaven; the cry of recognition and for love, embracing both trial and joy.
3. Jesus did not reprimand Martha for caring for his physical needs, but her attitude. She was anxious, worried, and distracted by her serving that she felt what she did was more important than Mary’s. “Stop worrying over questions like, ‘What are we to eat, or what are we to drink, or what are we to wear’? Your heavenly Father knows all that you need. Seek first his kingship over you, his way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Mt. 6:31-34). Christ encourages us to serve like Martha and pray like Mary without sacrificing one for the other. Let us learn from Lydia, who made the right combination in the Acts of the Apostles. First, she listened to Paul’s Gospel message and then offered hospitality to him and his companions (Acts 16:14-15).
4. To be truly hospitable, we must have clarity of action; that comes through prayer. When we pray, we align ourselves with God and contemplate his blessings. It enables us to recognize the needs of others. Therefore, we reciprocate God’s hospitality and kindness when we give to the poor. When we live a life of hospitality, we recognize that we are only stewards of God’s gifts. Praying like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to him, helps us to identify first in our hearts the Jesus that we must serve in the poor. By praying like Mary and serving like Martha, our life will be complete; and our service will be acceptable to God and humanity.
5. Today’s Gospel reminds us, according to John Rose, that “Substitution of our daily duties and responsibilities with religious activities is not commendable.” A father who spends time in the church praying instead of working and providing for his family must be discouraged.” Even so, the woman who spends a whole day praying instead of providing for her family should be reprimanded. Prayer, religious and social activities are good and highly encouraged. Still, the family and the children’s good should not be sacrificed on their altars. There is always time for Mary and also time for Martha. Prayer and good work must be combined in a healthy way to strike a balance in our lives. Let us learn to discharge our social responsibility with poise and, at the same time, sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him. May Christ teach us to find peace and balance in our lives without the anxieties, worries, and distractions of today’s life. Amen.
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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