THE DAILY GOSPEL

July 21, 2013

Sunday 16TH Week in Ordinary Time Psalter: Week 4 Ps 15:2-3,3-4, 5 He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. 1st Reading: Gen 18:1-10a

Yahweh appeared to Abraham near the oak of Mamre. Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent, in the heat of the day, when he looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them. He bowed to the ground and said, “My Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought. Wash your feet and then rest under the trees. I shall fetch some bread so that you can be refreshed and continue on your way, since you have come to your servant.” They then said, “Do as you say.” Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said to her, “Quick, take three measures of flour, knead it and make cakes.”

Abraham then ran to the herd, took a fine, tender calf, gave it to the servant who hurried to prepare it. He took butter and milk and together with the calf he had prepared laid it all before them. And while he remained standing, they ate. They then asked, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” Abraham answered, “She is in the tent.” And the visitor said, “At this same time next year I will return and Sarah by then will have a son.” 2nd Reading: Col 1:24-28

At present I rejoice when I suffer for you; I complete in my own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, which is the Church. For I am serving the Church since God entrusted to me the ministry to make the word of God fully known. I mean that mysterious plan that for centuries and generations remained secret, and which God has now revealed to his holy ones.

God willed to make known to them the riches and even the Glory that his mysterious plan reserved for the pagan nations: Christ is in you and you may hope God’s Glory.

This Christ we preach. We warn and teach everyone true wisdom, aiming to make everyone perfect in Christ. Gospel: Lk 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he entered a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the Lord’s feet to listen to his words. Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving and finally she said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving?”

But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.” Reflection:

Read: The Book of Genesis gives us the account of God visiting Abraham and blessing him with the promise of a child. God visits them as a community of three persons, and Abraham and Sarah generously offer them hospitality. Luke gives us the account of Jesus visiting his friends, Martha and Mary, and giving them a lesson in what is truly essential in their relationship. Paul discusses the centrality of Christ in creation and how God wills to make everyone perfect in Christ.

Reflect: Take a look at the varied responses when the people of today’s readings encounter God. Abraham was seated when he saw three men before his house. He gets us, bows, runs around, and finally remains standing by them as God takes the center stage and dines at his house. Martha runs around worried about many things while Mary is seated at the feet of the Master. Paul continues to preach and suffer for the sake of Christ. When God walks into my life, how do I respond to him?

Pray: Lord God, please walk into my home and my heart. Help me to receive you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and body. Allow me to serve you and sit at your feet, totally lost in you.

Listen: You are seated at the feet of the Master. What is Jesus telling you?

Act: Spend 30 minutes in personal prayer, listening to Jesus.

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