Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Gen 18:1-10
Ps 14:2-5
Col 1:24-28
Lk 10:38-42

Let your work foster a close bond with Christ

Today’s Old Testament reading and the Gospel passage ignite a thrilling theme of hospitality that captivates our hearts! Picture this: Abraham and Sarah, welcoming three mysterious travelers into their home, unaware that these visitors are actually angels—powerful messengers from God! By extending their generosity, they set the stage for a monumental covenant, a divine promise ensuring that Abraham’s descendants would be special to God, shaping their destiny as His chosen people. What an incredible moment!

Now let’s journey into the Gospel! Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, is marching boldly towards His Passion and ultimate glory. On His path, He arrives in Bethany, home to the beloved sisters, Martha and Mary. As indicated by St. Luke’s words: “a woman named Martha received him into her house.” Here we see an echo of Abraham’s welcome—this time, to the very Son of God, far greater than any angel.

One thing is clear: Martha and Mary, along with their brother Lazarus, captured the heart of the Lord! Picture Martha bustling about, preparing a meal, while Mary, captivated by Jesus, finds her nourishment in His words. Saint Augustine beautifully illustrates this scene: one sister is busy with preparations, while the other sits at Jesus’ feet, soaked in His divine wisdom. One action is busy, the other contemplative, yet both are good in their own right!

Martha symbolizes the active Christian life and Mary embodies contemplation. However, for most of us, these two paths don’t have to clash! Imagine a life where action and contemplation intertwine harmoniously, each enhancing the other. An active life without spiritual depth can fall flat, and a life of prayer devoid of outreach can miss the mark. The secret lies in finding that exhilarating balance—let your work foster a close bond with Christ, the central relationship in your life!

So, let’s aspire to cultivate an integrated life—one rich in prayer and bursting with active love for God and our neighbors. Jesus distilled it all into a powerful challenge: love God with every fiber of your being and love your neighbor just as fiercely. This isn’t limited to Sundays; it’s a thrilling invitation that spans every moment of every day! Within the mundane lies something sacred, something divine. It’s our mission to uncover it, to see the extraordinary amidst the ordinary. By discovering God in our daily lives, we unlock the door to His presence—He’s there, waiting to be found in every task and moment!

We must nurture and celebrate Christ’s presence in every twist and turn of our lives! Be it at work or while at play, remember: “Jesus is Lord!” Whether you’re laboring for Him or soaking in His heavenly insights, it’s the same Lord guiding you! Most likely, none of us are just called to be Martha or just Mary—many of us are summoned to embrace both roles. The Church needs this dynamic blend! Our Lord indeed praised Mary for choosing the better part, but wasn’t He gently teaching both sisters—and each of us—that ultimately, He must reign supreme in our hearts? In the end, He is the ultimate prize, our everything!

Fr Joseph Osho