Texts taken from the “On Your Word” Missal July-August 2022

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
4th week psalter

FIRST READING

From the Book of Genesis (Gen 18:1-10a)

In those days, the Lord appeared to Abraham by the Oak of Mamre, while he was sitting at the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He raised his eyes and saw that three men were standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran to meet them from the entrance of the tent and bowed to the ground, saying: “My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass by your servant without stopping. Let some water be brought, wash your feet, and rest under the tree. I will bring a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves; then you may continue on your way, since this is why you have passed by your servant.” They replied: “Do as you have said.” Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said: “Quick, three measures of fine flour; knead it and make cakes.” Then Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and choice calf, and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. He took curds and fresh milk, together with the calf that had been prepared, and set them before them. While he stood by them under the tree, they ate. Then they said to him: “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He replied: “There, in the tent.” The Lord continued: “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and then Sarah, your wife, will have a son.” – The word of the Lord.

Reflection on the First Reading

Although a nomad, Abraham does not forget the importance of hospitality, and so he welcomes God himself into his camp. His welcome is marked by care, attentiveness, and concern for these distinguished guests. Hosting someone does not simply mean welcoming them into one’s home, but also recognizing them, loving them, and welcoming them into one’s heart. Likewise, refusing hospitality can be an expression of fear, judgment, or indifference. The reason for the different feelings associated with the act of welcoming lies in the fact that the other person, even God, is always a mystery to us; they are still different, sometimes a stranger who can produce insecurity, fear, and anguish. Difference is always a trial and a challenge. Hospitality helps us open our hearts before opening the door of our home, and above all to receive God’s visit in our daily lives. And God, just as he did with Abraham and Sarah, will give us the graces we need for our journey. But above all, he will give us his friendship and trust. What does it mean for you to be welcoming?

SECOND READING

From the Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Colossians (Col 1:24-28)
Brothers and sisters, I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, which is the Church. I have become its minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to bring to completion the word of God, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now manifested to his saints. To them God chose to make known the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles: Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. – The word of the Lord. 

Reflection on the Second Reading

For Paul, the task of the minister is to serve those entrusted to him, not to use his role within the Church for personal advantage. He is happy to have spent his life for the Lord and to spread the good news of salvation, won by Jesus for all people. Paul feels honored to be able, through his sufferings, to share in Christ’s sufferings. From this great teaching comes the Christian attitude of embracing and bearing one’s crosses as a means of spiritual growth and purification rather than as a curse. Each of us is also called to follow a journey toward full spiritual maturity. Just as physical growth, our experience of God must also grow toward its fullness, toward the perfection of Christ. This journey requires all our commitment and lasts throughout our lives. It is very important to listen to the word of God, because it is a precious instrument in the process of growth. Indeed, thanks to it, we are able to make ever more room for Jesus in our lives.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:38-42)
n that time, as they continued their journey, Jesus entered a village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, meanwhile, was busy with serving. She came to him and said: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to serve? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” – The Gospel of the Lord.

Reflection on the Gospel of the Day

The figures of Martha and Mary shed light on two different ways of welcoming God; two ways that do not exclude each other, but rather one prepares for the other. Indeed, every believer’s journey first passes through Martha and then arrives at Mary. Martha shows us an active form of welcome: she goes to meet Jesus, hosts and welcomes him, makes room for him in her life and home, and takes care of him. Mary shows us a form of welcome devoted to listening: she sits at the Master’s feet to listen to and understand his word. So far, so good, but why does Jesus rebuke Martha? For centuries, we have considered service to be of lesser value than prayer. Indeed, Martha has always been regarded as the active face of the Church and Mary as the contemplative one. Quite simply, Jesus does not rebuke Martha for what she does, but for the anxiety with which she does it, for not being at peace in her place, for doing things while thinking that it would be better to be at his feet. Therefore, what Martha does is just as praiseworthy as what Mary does. In the many things we do for Jesus, let us set aside anxiety and agitation. This cannot happen unless we regularly spend time with the Lord, making room for him and giving him time.