Gospel: Luke 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 work? Tell her to help me!”
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.”Lectio Divina
READ: This episode in the book of Genesis shows Sarah secretly listening to the con- versation of the three men and Abraham. Saint Paul writes to the Colossians of the ministry that was entrusted to him, that is “to make the word of God fully known.” The gospel reading narrates that Mary sat down listening to the words of Jesus.
REFLECT: In his visit to the house of Mary and Martha, Jesus is not very particular about the details of hospita- lity; he is more concern with the more important form of hospitality, a spiritual hospita- lity, namely: the listening to his words. We may also call it: the “hospitality of loving atten- tion and listening” (Brendan Byrne). It is a deeper kind of hospitality, which Mary ac- corded to Jesus. It is the “only one thing” that Jesus has com- mended as something needed. Another thing that differen- tiates Mary from Martha is that she has recognized God’s visit through Jesus. This recognition prompted her to offer Jesus an open heart. For the poor and the vulnerable of our society, this is also the kind of hospi- tality that they can offer when the word of God is heard. It is spiritually the most necessary (R. T. France). With the hospita- lity of attention and listening comes also the hospitality of trust.
PRAY.:Lord, help us open our hearts to your word; may it bring life to our ailing spirit.
ACT: Ask God for the grace so that we can truly listen to his word and transform our lives.© Copyright Bible Diary 2019