Pastor's Message
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You are worried and distracted by many things, there’s need (however) of only One thing. Mary has chosen the better part.” Luke10:42
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained Angels without knowing.” Hebrew 13:2
Today’s 1st and Gospel readings are linked by the themes of hospitality. In the First Reading Abraham extends the hospitality of his camp to three Strangers; In the Gospel Reading, Martha, Mary and supposedly Lazarus, their brother opened their home to Jesus.
These generous human beings, not only entertained visitors in their homes but also were honored with an extraordinary presence; They hosted God, the Almighty; God came to them and even shared a meal with them.
In the 1st Reading, Abraham, seated at the entrance of his tent by the Oaks of Mamre, in the heat of the day, raised his eyes and saw three Men standing before him. In his generosity, he ran from the tent’s entrance to them, and bowed down to the ground.
“If I find favor with you, My Lord, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on.” In his generosity, Abraham’s little bread, became cakes made from three measures of choice flour and veal from a whole calf.
Bible scholars go by what Abraham acknowledged, that it was the Lord who visited him. And going further in their interpretation, hinted “intimations” of the Holy Trinity; These Men were three yet, Abraham addressed them in singular “My Lord.” And the Men though three addressed Abraham as one. The Icon by Andrey Rub/Lev (the greatest Medieval Russian Painter of the 14th Century) representing the Holy Trinity is based on this Episode. The Lord confirmed his Presence to Abraham by blessing him and Sarah with the fulfillment of the Promise; “At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you and Sarah will have a Son.” Gen 18:14
In the Gospel Reading, Jesus was enjoying the hospitality of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha, over-burdened with the usual activities of ensuring that the guests were well fed and comfortable; noticed what siblings always do; that her Sister Mary was dogging her responsibilities! So, she did what siblings do; Complain! “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me///by myself to do the serving?” “Martha, Martha,” Jesus replied, “You are worried and distracted by many things, there’s need (however)of only One thing. Mary has chosen the better part.”
The Question then arises; What is the one thing? What is the better part that Mary chose? To answer this question, we have to go back to our origins and to the Garden of Eden, where we have to acknowledge what we lost after the sin of Adam and Eve. Yes, we lost free and generous provision; Yes, we lost peace and serenity; we lost the joy of being carefree. But more seriously we lost the very presence of God.
It is true that what Martha was doing was excellent in itself, but it was limiting her in the unhindered experience of being in the very presence of God, in person of Christ Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, was consumed by the fullness of God, Present in the Person of Christ Jesus. This is “the Only Thing” that mattered!
As disciples of Christ, sons or daughters of God, we should bask in the joy and peace that comes from being in the Presence of God! In Mass, Christ meets us, in His Word and in the Eucharist. We commune with Him, who comes to live in us. In the Mass, we have chosen the better part, that will not be taken away from us!
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