Texts taken from the missal “On Your Word,” July-August 2025
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
4th week, optional
FIRST READING
From the Book of Genesis (Gen 18:1-10a)
In those days, the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre, while he was sitting at the entrance of the tent in 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 down to the ground, saying: “My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by without stopping at your servant’s tent. Let some water be brought, wash your feet, and rest under the tree. I will bring a morsel of bread so that you may refresh yourselves; then you may continue, for this is why you have passed by your servant.” They said: “Do as you have said.” Then Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said: “Quick, three seahs of fine flour; knead it and make cakes.” Abraham himself ran to the herd, took a tender and choice calf, and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then took cream and fresh milk together with the calf he had prepared, and set them before them. While he stood near them under the tree, they ate. Then they said to him: “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He replied: “There, in the tent.” He continued: “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and then Sarah, your wife, will have a son.” – The word of the Lord.
Commentary on the first reading
How different is the action of the living and true God in human history from that of all the false gods whom people have worshipped throughout the centuries! For so long, people were convinced that the gods were too distracted to think about them; therefore, it was necessary to devise a series of complex rituals intended to attract their attention. The God of the Bible, however, does exactly the opposite. He is the one who goes out to seek people, to stop and converse pleasantly with them, just as intimate friends do. Abraham, at the oaks of Mamre, understands that this visit, so familiar, is at the same time shrouded in mystery and sacredness. God is the one who, while revealing himself to human beings, always remains beyond their understanding.
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 became its minister according to the mission God entrusted to me for you, to bring the word of God to completion, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God wished 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 God.
Commentary on the second reading
The redemption accomplished by Jesus awaits completion in our flesh. This means that each of us has an irreplaceable task. That is, we are called to contribute through our own commitment so that the saving grace manifested in Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection may reach the ends of the earth. We must not think that this happens only through suffering or pain: every act carried out with commitment and love brings grace and a great gift, both for oneself and for others. Therefore, we are called to live our state in life with commitment, seeking to do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Only then will even the smallest gesture take on immense meaning.
GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:38-42)
At that time, while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his word. Martha, meanwhile, was distracted by her many tasks. So she came forward and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me alone to serve? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” – The Word of the Lord.
Commentary on the Gospel
The commitment with which many Christians organize activities, groups, and meetings of various kinds and at different levels is praiseworthy. However, today’s Gospel warns you of a danger that is always present and that can lead you into error: the most important thing is, first and foremost, to be with the Lord, pausing with him to listen to his desires and his word. If this commitment is not present before each of your activities, you risk working in vain. Mary of Bethany chose the better part: Jesus invites Martha to do as her sister did, setting aside even important things that need to be done in order to devote herself to the one thing truly necessary: listening to Jesus’ word. In light of this passage, you can review the scale of values underlying the things you do and make some corrections.
