Galatians 1:13-24 ·
Psalm 138(139):1-3,13-15
Luke 10:38-42
A Messenger of Grace
For centuries, our faith communities have looked at the story of Martha and Mary in today’s Gospel as a tug-of-war between active and contemplative life. Martha is busy rushing around in the kitchen, trying to entertain their special guest, Jesus, all the while Martha wonders why Mary is just sitting disappointing him without helping. But we’ve misunderstood this story as a contest between two different vocations. Scripture scholar Luke Timothy Johnson guides us instead to see it for what it truly is: an encounter with the messenger of grace, who enters our space. “The story… refines our understanding of hospitality. Jesus’ response to Martha makes it clear that the ‘one thing necessary’ for hospitality is giving full attention to the guest, rather than fussing over domestic chores… Jesus shifts the focus from providing a service to receiving a gift: the other who enters our space is a messenger of grace.”
And who are these messengers of grace? Not just visitors at our doorstep. The people we often take for granted—family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies—are also messengers of grace. It’s common to see people dining together at cafés, fancy restaurants, or fast food joints like McDonald’s, Mr. Biggs, or Chicken Republic, yet often absorbed in their screens, more interested in their phones than the person across the table.
Imagine what our world could look like if more of us put down the screens, unplug the earbuds, turn off the TV, and actually focus on the person in front of us. Marriages might grow closer, families more joyful, friendships strengthen, the lonely find comfort, and enemies find reconciliation—all through moments of grace.
Asking simple questions like “How was your school day?” or “Tell me what happened at work,” or offering support with “How can I help?” or “What was that like for you?” and “What led you to that opinion?” fosters real conversation. And the key to meaningful talks is listening—just like Mary did when she was in the presence of her messenger of grace.
The person sitting next to you in the waiting room, standing in the grocery line, or in front of you at church is a messenger of grace—an incredible creature of God sharing this moment in history with you. Paying attention to them with an open heart, without judging, and listening with genuine intent is a radical act in a fast-paced world obsessed with stimulation, profit, self-satisfaction, and appearances. It’s a world where nobody wants to miss out on anything exciting.
True deep listening requires us to slow down and focus fully on someone else. Not speaking over them or dominating the conversation. This isn’t just radical—it’s transformative. When we truly listen, the person sharing feels accepted, appreciated, and cared for. And in turn, we ourselves are transformed by what Alan Lightman describes in The Atlantic as the Ordinary Miracle of Existing.
Today, in prayerful moments, reflect on how much effort you put into genuinely paying attention to those around you—looking them in the eye, clinging to their every word. Recognize them as messengers of grace. Life is about more than what we see; focusing intently on the people around us can transform both them and us into Christ-like miracles of love and existence—what God has always intended for us.
A Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart
Eternal and Holy God,
I come before You burdened with worries, fears, doubts, and troubles. Calm and quiet me with Your peace.
Free me from the anxiety that unsettles me, from the concerns that wear down my spirit, and from the heaviness on my heart.
Loosen my grip on disappointments and grievances I cling to so tightly.
Release me from the pain of past hurts, present anger, and ongoing stress.
Sometimes, Lord, it’s all too much—too many demands, too many problems, too much sadness and suffering.
Renew my spirit and my soul.
Grant me new strength, hope, and confidence.
Prepare me to face daily struggles with deeper faith and trust in You.
Let Your love set me free—bringing peace, joy, grace, and life, not just for me but for others as well, forever. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
