Psalm 15
Colossians 1:24-28
Luke 10:38-42
THE ART OF CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY
Individualism is one of the many evils that characterize our world today. Thus, today’s readings invite us to take a fresh look at hospitality and how to set our priorities right. In the first reading, Abraham welcomed and offered rest and food to three unknown men in his tent. And his generosity turned to be a blessing to him and to his barren wife Sarah. This passage can be summed up in the words of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
The Gospel reading offers another story of hospitality. Martha receives Jesus and his disciples as they were on their way to Jerusalem. Unlike her sister Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him, Martha became so anxious about serving the immediate needs of her guests. And according to Jesus, she missed the point: listening to him. This way, Mary became a model of contemplative life. She chose the better part that no one could ever take from her.
Most often we act like Martha doing so many things at a time without knowing what should be our priority in life. We want to do it all to be good and excellent in many areas. But we forget our spiritual health, our closeness with God. We run all day and end the day tired so much so that we are unable even to pray. Even during liturgical celebrations we become much distracted and are in a hurry to get out as if somebody is chasing us out of the church.
Like Abraham and Martha, we must show concern to those who come to us and need our attention and service. Nevertheless like Mary, we must always find time to sit at our Lord’s feet, listen to him and speak to him in prayer on a daily basis. By so doing, we will be enabled to become true ministers at the service of others and get strength to bear gladly the difficulties and sufferings we meet like St Paul in the second reading. May the Lord bless and keep all of us.
Amen
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