Sixteenth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 108
Lectionary: 108
The LORD appeared to Abraham by the
terebinth of Mamre,
as he sat in the entrance of his tent,
while the day was growing hot.
Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby.
When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them;
and bowing to the ground, he said:
“Sir, if I may ask you this favor,
please do not go on past your servant.
Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet,
and then rest yourselves under the tree.
Now that you have come this close to your servant,
let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves;
and afterward you may go on your way.”
The men replied, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah,
“Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.”
He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer,
and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it.
Then Abraham got some curds and milk,
as well as the steer that had been prepared,
and set these before the three men;
and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.
They asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?”
He replied, “There in the tent.”
One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year,
and Sarah will then have a son.”
as he sat in the entrance of his tent,
while the day was growing hot.
Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby.
When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them;
and bowing to the ground, he said:
“Sir, if I may ask you this favor,
please do not go on past your servant.
Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet,
and then rest yourselves under the tree.
Now that you have come this close to your servant,
let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves;
and afterward you may go on your way.”
The men replied, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah,
“Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.”
He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer,
and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it.
Then Abraham got some curds and milk,
as well as the steer that had been prepared,
and set these before the three men;
and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.
They asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?”
He replied, “There in the tent.”
One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year,
and Sarah will then have a son.”
Responsorial PsalmPS 15:2-3, 3-4, 5
R. (1a) He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
One who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
One who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Reading 2COL 1:24-28
Brothers and sisters:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
GospelLK 10:38-42
Jesus entered a
village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
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.”
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
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.”
Scripture Study
July 21, 2013 Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary
Time
The readings this Sunday deal with hospitality
and with priorities in service. The first reading speaks of hospitality as an
opportunity to serve God by serving others. Abraham's example makes hospitality
a religious act. The gospel reading tells us that listening to the words of the
Master is fundamental to being a real disciple regardless of what type of
service one is engaged in. What are some of the "many things" that
get in the way of our living out the "better part." When offering
hospitality, how might we disengage from some of the anxiety and worry involved
with having guests and surrender more to the presence of our visitors
First
Reading: Genesis 18: 1-10a
1 The
LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance
of his tent, while the day was growing hot. 2 Looking
up, he saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the
entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, 3 he said: "Sir, if I may
ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. 4 Let some water be brought, that
you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree.5 Now
that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food,
that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way."
"Very well," they replied, "do as you have said."
6 Abraham
hastened into the tent and told Sarah, "Quick, three seahs of fine flour!
Knead it and make rolls." 7 He ran
to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who
quickly prepared it. 8 Then he
got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set
these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.
9 "Where
is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "There in the tent," he
replied. 10 One of
them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and
Sarah will then have a son." Sarah was listening at the entrance of the
tent, just behind him.
NOTES on
First Reading:
* 18:1-8
This introductory verse tells us that God appeared to Abraham. In vv 2 and 16
God is mediated by the three men; in 10, 13,15, and 17-33 by the single speaker
and in Chapter 19 by two angels. This constant change of characters is a
narrative method of indicating both the nearness and elusiveness of God. In
keeping with Hebrew narrative artistry, the dozing Abraham is contrasted with
the purposefully journeying travelers and Abraham's frantic preparations are contrasted
with the regal silence of the visitors.
* 18:3
Abraham does not yet recognize the presence of Yahweh and is addressing the
presumed leader of the group. In the next two verses he speaks to all three
men. It is not until Genesis 19:1 that the other two are identified as
messengers or angels.
* 18:6
The amount of flour is about half a bushel.
* 18:8
Curds refers to a type of soft cheese or yogurt.
* 18:9
All of the conversation by the guests is about Sarah.
* 18:10
Abraham finally recognizes the presence of God in the visitors when he hears
the prediction of a miraculous birth. The expression used for time is literally
"when the time becomes alive." That is at the time when birth is due
after the period of gestation. Conception is understood as taking place soon
after the prediction.
Second
Reading: Colossians 1: 24-28
24 Now I
rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is
lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the
church, 25 of
which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring
to completion for you the word of God, 26 the
mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been
manifested to his holy ones, 27 to whom
God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 28 It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present
everyone perfect in Christ.
NOTES on
Second Reading:
* 1:24
This verse is variously interpreted and has caused some difficulty in the past.
In keeping with Paul's thinking, this phrase does not imply that Christ's
atoning death on the cross was defective or incomplete. While it may refer to
the apocalyptic concept of a quota of "messianic woes" to be endured
before the end comes, others suggest that Paul's mystical unity with Christ
allowed him to call his own sufferings the afflictions of Christ. The arguments
in the past have generally been around two issues: The meaning of "filling
up what is lacking" The meaning of the "afflictions of Christ."
The first must not mean that Christ's sufferings on the cross are insufficient
because that would be inconsistent with 1:22-24. Therefore some other meaning
must be intended. A clue comes from the fact that the word,
"thlipsis", which is used here is never used of Jesus' passion but is
often used of the hardships of those who preach the Gospel. Putting these two
together it seems that the "sufferings of Christ" are the sufferings
of those who He has sent to spread His word and who are suffering for the sake
of His name (Acts 5:41).
* 1:25-27
The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the
mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27).
* 1:26
The word, "mysteries" was used in the Hellenistic or Jewish
syncretistic (mystery) cults to mean the special secret knowledge that was only
available to a select few. Here the word is used to refer to the Divine plan
for history that God has revealed to all believers. The writer is attempting to
draw a clear distinction between the selectivity and exclusivity of the mystery
cults and the openness and inclusivity of the Christian message as it is
preached to all the world.
Gospel
Reading: Luke 10: 38-42
38 As they
continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was
Martha welcomed him. 39 She had
a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him
speak. 40 Martha,
burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help
me." 41 The
Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried
about many things.42 There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."
NOTES on
Gospel Reading:
*
10:38-42 For Luke the portrait of Jesus as a teacher was very important and the
story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words
of the teacher as well as the (for that time) unusual concern for women that is
found in Luke.
* 10:38
Luke has such an emphasis on homes/houses in his gospel that he has added 28
more references to them than are found in Mark. The intended focus may really
be on women who hosted the churches in their homes as was common at the time.
* 10:39
Luke here describes Mary as being at Jesus' feet. This is the posture of a
disciple, at the Master's feet. A woman officially established as a disciple is
quite unusual for first-century Palestinian Judaism. Characteristically, Jesus
has a different attitude toward women than the rest of society has in this
gospel (see Luke 8:2-3).
* 10:40
The word used here for Martha's tasks is "diakonia" which at the time
that Luke's Gospel was written was used to refer to Christian ministry (1 Cor
4:1; Rom 16:1).
* 10:41
Jesus' response to Martha's complaint is not a harsh rebuke as it is sometimes
interpreted. Rather the sense is that He and she have had this conversation
before and He is reminding her about the real priorities. The lesson here has
nothing to do with what type of preparations or food are appropriate. Rather
the story teaches that listening to His word is fundamental to any following of
Jesus as a disciple. All else is unimportant compared to listening to Jesus'
word which must always be the best part.
Waiting on the
Lord
God wants to dwell with each of us personally, intimately - as
the mysterious guests once visited Abraham’s tent, as Jesus once entered the
home of Mary and Martha.
By his hospitality in this
week’s First Reading, Abraham shows us how we are to welcome the Lord into our
lives. His selfless service of his divine guests (see Hebrews 13:1) stands in
contrast to the portrait of Martha drawn in this week’s Gospel.
Where Abraham is concerned
only for the well-being of his guests, Martha speaks only of herself - “Do you
not care that my sister has left me by myself…Tell her to help me.” Jesus’
gentle rebuke reminds us that we risk missing the divine in the mundane, that
we can fall into the trap of believing that God somehow needs to be served by
human hands (see Acts 17:25).
Our Lord comes to us, not to
be served but to serve (see Matthew 20:28). He gave His life that we might know
the one thing we need, the “better part” which is life in the fellowship of
God.
Jesus is the true Son
promised today by Abraham’s visitors (see Matthew 1:1). In Him, God has made an
everlasting covenant for all time, made us blessed descendants of Abraham (see
Genesis 17:19,21; Romans 4:16-17, 19-21).
The Church now offers us this
covenant, bringing to completion the word of God, the promise of His plan of
salvation, what Paul calls “the mystery hidden for ages.”
As once He came to Abraham,
Mary and Martha, Christ now comes to each of us in Word and Sacrament. As we
sing in this week’s Psalm: He will make His dwelling with those who keep His
Word and practice justice (see also John 14:23).
If we do these things we will
not be anxious or disturbed, will not have our Lord taken from us. We will wait
on the Lord, who told Abraham and tells each of us: “I will surely return to
you.”
Scott Hahn,
Ph.D.
|
“Only Jesus, Only
Jesus”
|
|
Sixteenth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
|
|
Father Robert DeCesare, LC
Luke 10: 38-42
Jesus entered a
village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister
named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you
not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? 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."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are my God and my all. You created
me, and you made me to be happy with you. Lord, I hope in you, because I
trust that you will not lead me astray. I love you, Lord, because you are the
way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through you,
Lord, and I love you for being the mediator before the Father.
Petition: Lord, be the center, standard, and example of my life.
1. “You Are Anxious
About Many Things” - It
seems that things are moving faster all the time and that more and more
things vie for my time. I serve as a chauffeur for the household, I spend a
large part of my time accompanying the children for extracurricular
activities, and people left and right want to talk to me. There is so much
going on. Our culture almost demands that I do all these things. What is
more, it seems at times like no one understands my dilemma. I am trying to do
what is right, I am trying to be responsible, and it seems like no one else
is. I identify myself with Martha, Lord, in a world which is so active and at
times seems to fly by. Help me to make the right choices and to fulfill your
will.
2. “There Is Need of
Only One Thing” - Love
Christ. Live for him. As life progresses and eternity draws near, only the
love of Christ remains. Everything else turns into smoke, mist, nothing.
Christ´s love is the treasure for which I should sell everything else, even
egotism, pride and vanity. Lord, you are all I need. What else will matter
when I finish my life? Who else can fill my soul with satisfaction and peace?
Who else brings meaning to my life but you? Remind me of this, because many
times it is so easy for me to lose my focus and direction in the world. It
seems so easy for me to put other things first.
3. “Choose the
Better Part” - Lord, your words to
Martha strike a chord in my heart. I can let the noise and distractions
around me nick at my heart and misdirect me, but all that will do is bring
about more confusion and uneasiness. However, if I choose you, what great
confidence it will bring me to know that you will not be taken from me.
Everyone wants to be happy. Everyone wants to be fulfilled. Why should I fool
myself looking for happiness in the things of this world when you supply it,
Lord? Why should I settle for something less than the better part which you
want to give me? Shouldn’t I be excited to be able to sit at your feet and
spend time with you when you want to teach me what it means to be the best I
can be; to be holy?
Conversation with
Christ: Lord, give me the
confidence of knowing that you are all I need. I do not want to distract
myself with anything else. I want to sit at your feet. I want to listen to
what you want to tell me. I want very much to learn from you.
Resolution: After Mass I will make a visit to Christ in
thanksgiving for having received him in the Eucharist, and I will take a
moment to listen to what he has to tell me.
|
SUNDAY, JULY 21
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
LUKE 10:38-42
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
LUKE 10:38-42
(Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28)
KEY VERSE: "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her" (v 42).
READING: As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, he stopped at Bethany to rest at the home of his friends Martha and her sister Mary (In John's gospel, their brother Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, Jn 11:1-44). Jesus had been teaching his followers about the privilege of being a disciple (Lk 10:23-24), and now he did something radical for his day ̶ he taught a woman. When Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to the words of her master, Martha criticized her for neglecting to help her with hospitality for their guest. Jesus reminded Martha that she was too anxious about things of little importance. The one thing that should concern her was "to seek God's kingdom before all else" (12:29-31). Mary freely chose to be Jesus' disciple, and she would not be deprived of the opportunity. Her service to others would flow from her single-hearted devotion to the Lord.
REFLECTING: Do I spend time with the Lord so that I can serve others with love?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to welcome you into my home so that I might listen to your words.
July
21
St. Lawrence of Brindisi
(1559-1619)
St. Lawrence of Brindisi
(1559-1619)
At first glance perhaps the most remarkable quality of Lawrence of
Brindisi is his outstanding gift of languages. In addition to a thorough
knowledge of his native Italian, he had complete reading and speaking ability
in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish and French.
He was born on July 22, 1559, and died exactly 60 years later on
his birthday in 1619. His parents William and Elizabeth Russo gave him the name
of Julius Caesar, Caesare in Italian. After the early death of his parents, he
was educated by his uncle at the College of St. Mark in Venice.
When he was just 16 he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in
Venice and received the name of Lawrence. He completed his studies of
philosophy and theology at the University of Padua and was ordained a priest at
23.
With his facility for languages he was able to study the Bible in
its original texts. At the request of Pope Clement VIII, he spent much time
preaching to the Jews in Italy. So excellent was his knowledge of Hebrew, the rabbis
felt sure he was a Jew who had become a Christian.
In 1956 the Capuchins completed a 15-volume edition of his
writings. Eleven of these 15 contain his sermons, each of which relies chiefly
on scriptural quotations to illustrate his teaching.
Lawrence’s sensitivity to the needs of people—a character trait
perhaps unexpected in such a talented scholar—began to surface. He was elected
major superior of the Capuchin Franciscan province of Tuscany at the age of 31.
He had the combination of brilliance, human compassion and administrative skill
needed to carry out his duties. In rapid succession he was promoted by his
fellow Capuchins and was elected minister general of the Capuchins in 1602. In
this position he was responsible for great growth and geographical expansion of
the Order.
Lawrence was appointed papal emissary and peacemaker, a job which
took him to a number of foreign countries. An effort to achieve peace in his
native kingdom of Naples took him on a journey to Lisbon to visit the king of
Spain. Serious illness in Lisbon took his life in 1619.
Comment:
His constant devotion to Scripture, coupled with great sensitivity to the needs of people, present a lifestyle which appeals to Christians today. Lawrence had a balance in his life that blended self-discipline with a keen appreciation for the needs of those whom he was called to serve.
His constant devotion to Scripture, coupled with great sensitivity to the needs of people, present a lifestyle which appeals to Christians today. Lawrence had a balance in his life that blended self-discipline with a keen appreciation for the needs of those whom he was called to serve.
Quote:
“God is love, and all his operations proceed from love. Once he wills to manifest that goodness by sharing his love outside himself, then the Incarnation becomes the supreme manifestation of his goodness and love and glory. So, Christ was intended before all other creatures and for his own sake. For him all things were created and to him all things must be subject, and God loves all creatures in and because of Christ. Christ is the first-born of every creature, and the whole of humanity as well as the created world finds its foundation and meaning in him. Moreover, this would have been the case even if Adam had not sinned” (St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Universal Church, Capuchin Educational Conference, Washington, D.C.).
“God is love, and all his operations proceed from love. Once he wills to manifest that goodness by sharing his love outside himself, then the Incarnation becomes the supreme manifestation of his goodness and love and glory. So, Christ was intended before all other creatures and for his own sake. For him all things were created and to him all things must be subject, and God loves all creatures in and because of Christ. Christ is the first-born of every creature, and the whole of humanity as well as the created world finds its foundation and meaning in him. Moreover, this would have been the case even if Adam had not sinned” (St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Universal Church, Capuchin Educational Conference, Washington, D.C.).
LECTIO: 16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
Lectio:
Sunday, July 21,
2013
Mary and Martha,
friends of Jesus
Which is the better part chosen by Mary?
Luke 10, 34 – 42
Which is the better part chosen by Mary?
Luke 10, 34 – 42
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your
Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them
to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the
Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events
of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all
hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the
reading:
The text of the Gospel
for this Sunday narrates the visit of Jesus to the house of Martha and Mary.
Jesus tells Martha: “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be
taken from her!” Throughout the centuries, many times these words have
been interpreted as a confirmation on the part of Jesus of the fact that
contemplative life, hidden in the monasteries, is better and more sublime than
the active life of those who work in the field of evangelisation. This
interpretation is not very correct, because it lacks the foundation of the
text. In order to understand the significance of these words of Jesus (and of
any word) it is important to take into account, to consider the context, that
is, the context of the Gospel of Luke as well as the broader context of the
work of Luke which includes the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Before
verifying the broader context of the Acts of the Apostles, let us try to gaze a
bit at the text in itself and try to see how it is placed in the immediate
context of the Gospel of Luke. During the reading, try to feel that you are
present in Mary’s house and feel close to the environment and to the outreach
or importance of the words of Jesus, not only as Martha hears them but also as
the community for which Luke writes his Gospel hears them and also how we hear
them, us, who today hear these such inspiring words of Jesus.
b) A division of the
text to help in the reading:
Luke 10,38: Martha
welcomes Jesus into her house
Luke 10, 39-40a: Mary listens to the words of Jesus, Martha is busy with the service in the house
Luke 10, 40b: Martha complains and asks Jesus to intervene
Luke 10, 41-42: Answer of Jesus
Luke 10, 39-40a: Mary listens to the words of Jesus, Martha is busy with the service in the house
Luke 10, 40b: Martha complains and asks Jesus to intervene
Luke 10, 41-42: Answer of Jesus
c) Text:
38 In the course of
their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into
her house. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and
listened to him speaking. 40 Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving,
came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do
the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' 41 But the Lord
answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things,
42 and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the
better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'
3. A moment of
prayerful silence
so that the Word of
God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our
personal reflection.
a) Which is the point
in this text which pleased you the most or struck you? Why?
b) What would Jesus want to say with that affirmation: “one thing alone is necessary”?
c) Which was the “better part” which Mary chose and which will not be taken from her?
d) A historical event can have a more profound symbolical sense. Did you succeed in discovering a symbolical sense in the way in which Luke describes Jesus’ visit to the house of Martha and Mary?
e) Read attentively Acts 6, 1-6 and try to discover the bond of union between the problem of the apostles and the conversation of Jesus with Martha.
b) What would Jesus want to say with that affirmation: “one thing alone is necessary”?
c) Which was the “better part” which Mary chose and which will not be taken from her?
d) A historical event can have a more profound symbolical sense. Did you succeed in discovering a symbolical sense in the way in which Luke describes Jesus’ visit to the house of Martha and Mary?
e) Read attentively Acts 6, 1-6 and try to discover the bond of union between the problem of the apostles and the conversation of Jesus with Martha.
5. For those who wish
to go deeper into the theme
a) Context of the
Gospel of Luke:
In Luke 9, 51 begins
the second stage of the apostolic activity of Jesus, the long journey from
Galilee up to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the journey, Jesus gets out of the
Jewish world and enters into the world of the Samaritans (Lk 9, 52). Even though
He is not well received by the Samaritans (Lk 9, 53), He continues in their
territory and even corrects the Disciples who think differently (Lk 9, 54-55).
In responding to those who ask to follow Him, Jesus makes explicit the
significance of everything that has happened, and indicates to them the demands
of the mission (Lk 9, 56-62).
Then Jesus appoints
other seventy-two disciples to go on mission before Him. The sending out of the
twelve (Lk 9, 1-6) was in the world of the Jews. The sending out of the seventy-two
is for the non Jewish world. Having finished the mission, Jesus and the
Disciples meet and evaluate the mission, and the Disciples give an account of
the many activities that they carried out, but Jesus insists on the greatest
certainty that their names are written in Heaven (Lk 10, 17-37).
Then follows our text
which describes the visit of Jesus to the house of Martha and Mary (Lk 10,
38-42). Luke does not specifically indicate where the village of Martha and
Mary is found, but in the geographical context of his Gospel, the reader
imagines that the village is found in Samaria. From the Gospel of John we know
that Martha and Mary lived in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem (Jn 11,
1). Besides, John tells us that they had a brother named Lazarus.
b) Comment on the
Text:
Luke 10, 38: Martha
welcomes Jesus into her house
“In the course of the journey, he came to a village and, a woman named Martha welcomed hum into her house” Jesus was on the way. Luke does not always say where Jesus was passing by, but many times that Jesus is on the way (Lk 9, 51,53-57;; 10, 1.38; 11, 1; 13, 22.23; 14, 25; 17, 11; 18, 31.35; 19, 1.11.28.29.41.45; 20, 1). Because Jesus was firmly decided to go up to Jerusalem (Lk 9, 51). This decision orientates Him during all the stages of the journey. The entrance into the village and into the house of Martha and Mary is a stage more of this long journey up to Jerusalem and forms part of the realization of Jesus’ mission. From the beginning, the objective of the journey is definitive: to carry out His mission of Servant, announced by Isaiah (Is 53, 2-10; 61, 1-2) and assumed by Jesus in Nazareth (Lk 4, 16-21).
“In the course of the journey, he came to a village and, a woman named Martha welcomed hum into her house” Jesus was on the way. Luke does not always say where Jesus was passing by, but many times that Jesus is on the way (Lk 9, 51,53-57;; 10, 1.38; 11, 1; 13, 22.23; 14, 25; 17, 11; 18, 31.35; 19, 1.11.28.29.41.45; 20, 1). Because Jesus was firmly decided to go up to Jerusalem (Lk 9, 51). This decision orientates Him during all the stages of the journey. The entrance into the village and into the house of Martha and Mary is a stage more of this long journey up to Jerusalem and forms part of the realization of Jesus’ mission. From the beginning, the objective of the journey is definitive: to carry out His mission of Servant, announced by Isaiah (Is 53, 2-10; 61, 1-2) and assumed by Jesus in Nazareth (Lk 4, 16-21).
Luke 10, 39-40a: Mary
listened to his words, Martha was taken up with the service.
“She had a sister, named Mary, who sitting at the feet of Jesus, listened to his word; Martha, instead was all taken up with all the serving”. A normal supper at home, in the family. While some speak, others prepare the food. The two tasks are important and necessary, both complement one another, especially when it is a question of welcoming someone who is coming from outside. In affirming that “Martha was all taken up with all the serving” (diaconia), Luke evokes the seventy-two disciples who were also busy with many activities of the missionary service (Lk 10, 17-18).
“She had a sister, named Mary, who sitting at the feet of Jesus, listened to his word; Martha, instead was all taken up with all the serving”. A normal supper at home, in the family. While some speak, others prepare the food. The two tasks are important and necessary, both complement one another, especially when it is a question of welcoming someone who is coming from outside. In affirming that “Martha was all taken up with all the serving” (diaconia), Luke evokes the seventy-two disciples who were also busy with many activities of the missionary service (Lk 10, 17-18).
Luke 10, 40b: Martha
complains and asks Jesus to intervene.
“Martha came to him and said: ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the service all by myself? Please tell her to help me’” Another familiar scene, but not so normal. Martha is busy only with the preparation of the food, while Mary is sitting, and is speaking with Jesus. Martha complains. Perhaps Jesus interferes and says something to the sister to see if she will help her in the service in the diaconia. Martha considers herself a servant and thinks that the service of a servant is that of preparing the food and that her service in the kitchen is more important than that of her sister who is speaking with Jesus. For Martha, what Mary does is not a service, because she says: “Do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the service all by myself?” But Martha is not the only servant. Jesus also assumes his role as servant, that is of the Servant announced by the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had said that the principal service of the Servant is that of being before God in prayer listening in order to be able to discover a word of comfort to take to those who are discouraged. The Servant said: “The Lord God has given me a disciple’s tongue, for me to know how to give a word of comfort to the weary. Morning by morning he makes my ear alert to listen like a disciple” (Is 50, 4). Now, Mary has an attitude of prayer before Jesus. And the question arises: Who carries out the service of a servant better: Martha or Mary?
“Martha came to him and said: ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the service all by myself? Please tell her to help me’” Another familiar scene, but not so normal. Martha is busy only with the preparation of the food, while Mary is sitting, and is speaking with Jesus. Martha complains. Perhaps Jesus interferes and says something to the sister to see if she will help her in the service in the diaconia. Martha considers herself a servant and thinks that the service of a servant is that of preparing the food and that her service in the kitchen is more important than that of her sister who is speaking with Jesus. For Martha, what Mary does is not a service, because she says: “Do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the service all by myself?” But Martha is not the only servant. Jesus also assumes his role as servant, that is of the Servant announced by the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had said that the principal service of the Servant is that of being before God in prayer listening in order to be able to discover a word of comfort to take to those who are discouraged. The Servant said: “The Lord God has given me a disciple’s tongue, for me to know how to give a word of comfort to the weary. Morning by morning he makes my ear alert to listen like a disciple” (Is 50, 4). Now, Mary has an attitude of prayer before Jesus. And the question arises: Who carries out the service of a servant better: Martha or Mary?
Luke 10, 41-42:
Response of Jesus
“The Lord then answered: ‘Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” A beautiful answer and a very human one. For Jesus, a good conversation with persons, who are friends is important and even more important than eating (cf. Jn 4, 32). Jesus does not agree with the worries of Martha. He does not want that the preparation of the meal interrupt the conversation. and it is as if he would say: “Martha, it is not necessary to prepare so many things! A small thing suffices! And then come to participate in such a beautiful conversation!” This is the principal significance, so simple and human of the words of Jesus. Jesus likes a good conversation. and a goodconversation with Jesus produces conversion. But in the context of the Gospel of Luke, these decisive words of Jesus assume a more profound symbolical significance:
“The Lord then answered: ‘Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” A beautiful answer and a very human one. For Jesus, a good conversation with persons, who are friends is important and even more important than eating (cf. Jn 4, 32). Jesus does not agree with the worries of Martha. He does not want that the preparation of the meal interrupt the conversation. and it is as if he would say: “Martha, it is not necessary to prepare so many things! A small thing suffices! And then come to participate in such a beautiful conversation!” This is the principal significance, so simple and human of the words of Jesus. Jesus likes a good conversation. and a goodconversation with Jesus produces conversion. But in the context of the Gospel of Luke, these decisive words of Jesus assume a more profound symbolical significance:
i) Like Martha, the
disciples also, during the mission, were worried about many things, but Jesus
clarifies well that the more important thing is that of having their names
written in Heaven, that is, to be known and loved by God (Lk 10, 20). Jesus
repeats to Martha: “You worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are
needed, indeed only one.
ii) A short time
before the Doctor of the Law had reduced the commandments to one alone: “To
love the Lord God above all things and your neighbour as yourself” (Lk 10, 27).
Observing this only and better commandment, the person will be ready to act
with love, like the Good Samaritan and not like the priest or the Levite who do
not fulfil their duty well (Lk 10, 25-42). The many services of Martha should
be carried out beginning by this unique service truly necessary which is the
loving attention to persons. This is the better part that Mary has chosen and
which will not be taken from her.
iii) Martha is
concerned about serving (diaconia). She wanted to be helped by Mary in the
service of the table. But which is the service which God wants? This is the
fundamental question. Mary is more in agreement with the attitude of the
Servant of God, because, like the Servant, she is now in the attitude of prayer
before Jesus. Mary cannot abandon her attitude of prayer in the presence of
God. Because if she would do this, she would not discover the word of comfort
to take to those who are wearied. This is the true service which God is asking
from all.
c) Broadening the
information:
A broader context of
the Acts of the Apostles
After the death and
resurrection of Jesus the communities will be born. They will have to face new
problems, for which they did not have solutions already foreseen. In order to
orientate themselves in the solutions to the problems, the communities tried to
remember the words and gestures of Jesus which could bring them some light.
Thus, the episode of the visit of Jesus to the house of Martha and Mary was
recalled and narrated in order to help clarify the problem described in Acts 6,
1-6.
The rapid growth in
the number of Christians created divisions in the community. The faithful of
Greek origin began to complain of those of Hebrew origin and said that their
widows were set aside, neglected, in the daily life. There was discrimination
in the environment of the community and persons were lacking for the various
services. Up to that moment the need had not arisen to involve other persons in
the coordination of the community and in the fulfilment of the services. Like
Moses, after leaving Egypt (Ex 18, 14; Num 11, 14-15), the Apostles also did
everything alone. But Moses, obliged by the facts, shared the power and
convoked other seventy leaders for the necessary services among the People of
God (Ex 18, 17-23; Num 11, 16-17). Jesus had done the same thing: he convoked
other seventy-two disciples (Lk 10, 1). Now, in the face of new problems, the
Apostles did the same. They convoked the community and exposed the problem
before everyone. Without doubt, the word of Jesus to Martha helped them to reach
a solution. Below it is possible to read the two texts, one at the side of the
other. Try to understand how they enlighten each other:
|
1 About this time, when the number
of disciples was increasing, the Hellenists made a complaint against the
Hebrews: in the daily distribution their own widows were being overlooked. 2
So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, 'It
would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food;
3 you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good
reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, to whom we can hand over
this duty. 4 We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to
the service of the word.' (Acts 6, 1-4)
|
|
38 In the course of their journey
he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened
to him speaking. 40 Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came
to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do
the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' 41 But the Lord
answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many
things, 42 and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen
the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'
|
The Apostles find
themselves between two real needs, both of them very important, defined as
service (diaconia): the service of the Word and the service of the tables. What
to do? Which of the two is more important? The response of Jesus to Martha
helped to discern the problem. Jesus said that Mary could not abandon the
conversation with Him in order to go and help in the kitchen. Thus, Peter
concludes: It would not be right for us to neglect the Word of God so as to
give out food! And Peter defines the service of the Apostolate: “to devote
themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”
It is not said that
one service is better than the other. What cannot happen is that the service of
the Word be hindered by the unforeseen demands of the service at the table. The
community was obliged to face the problem, be concerned to have enough people
for all the services, so as to be able, to converse, thus, the service of the
Word in its integrity. The service of the word proper of the Apostles (and of
Mary at the feet of Jesus) had two dimensions: on the one side the listening to
the Word, receiving it, incarnating it, announcing it, diffusing it through the
active work of evangelisation and, on the other side, in the name of the
community, respond to God in prayer, represent the community in a prayerful
attitude before God. It is not a question of an opposition between the two
services: word and table. Both are important and necessary for the life of the
community. It is necessary to have persons available for both of them. In the
economy of the Kingdom, besides, the service of the Word (Evangelisation) is
the root, the source. It is the better part which Mary has chosen. The service
of the table is the result, the fruit, it is its revelation. For Luke and for
the first Christians, “the better part” of which Jesus speaks to Martha, is the
service of evangelisation, source of all the rest.
Mestre Eckhart, the great
Dominican mystic of the Middle Ages interprets this episode in a very amusing
way. He says that Martha already knew how to work and to live in the presence
of God. Mary did not know and was learning. This is why she could not be
interrupted. The great mystics are the proof that this text cannot be
interpreted like a confirmation on the part of Jesus that contemplative life is
better and more sublime than active life. It is not well to make a distinction
of these two words, because one is completed, is founded and is made explicit
in the other. The Carmelite Friar Saint John of the Cross in a little more than
ten years he travelled 27,000 kilometres going through Spain. Saint Teresa of
Avila was always on the move, very busy as she was with the foundation of so
many monasteries. Jesus himself lived the profound unity of contemplative and
active life.
6. Recitation of a
Psalm
Psalm 145 (144): God
deserves praise
I shall praise you to
the heights, God my King,
I shall bless your name for ever and ever.
Day after day I shall bless you,
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
I shall bless your name for ever and ever.
Day after day I shall bless you,
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is Yahweh and
worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning.
Each age will praise your deeds to the next,
proclaiming your mighty works.
Your renown is the splendour of your glory,
I will ponder the story of your wonders.
They will speak of your awesome power,
and I shall recount your greatness.
They will bring out the memory of your great generosity,
and joyfully acclaim your saving justice.
Yahweh is tenderness and pity,
slow to anger, full of faithful love.
Yahweh is generous to all,
his tenderness embraces all his creatures.
his greatness beyond all reckoning.
Each age will praise your deeds to the next,
proclaiming your mighty works.
Your renown is the splendour of your glory,
I will ponder the story of your wonders.
They will speak of your awesome power,
and I shall recount your greatness.
They will bring out the memory of your great generosity,
and joyfully acclaim your saving justice.
Yahweh is tenderness and pity,
slow to anger, full of faithful love.
Yahweh is generous to all,
his tenderness embraces all his creatures.
All your creatures
shall thank you, Yahweh,
and your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingship
and tell of your might,
making known your mighty deeds to the children of Adam,
the glory and majesty of your kingship.
Your kingship is a kingship for ever,
your reign lasts from age to age.
Yahweh is trustworthy in all his words,
and upright in all his deeds.
and your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingship
and tell of your might,
making known your mighty deeds to the children of Adam,
the glory and majesty of your kingship.
Your kingship is a kingship for ever,
your reign lasts from age to age.
Yahweh is trustworthy in all his words,
and upright in all his deeds.
Yahweh supports all
who stumble,
lifts up those who are bowed down.
All look to you in hope
and you feed them with the food of the season.
And, with generous hand,
you satisfy the desires of every living creature.
lifts up those who are bowed down.
All look to you in hope
and you feed them with the food of the season.
And, with generous hand,
you satisfy the desires of every living creature.
Upright in all that he
does,
Yahweh acts only in faithful love.
He is close to all who call upon him,
all who call on him from the heart.
He fulfils the desires of all who fear him,
he hears their cry and he saves them.
Yahweh guards all who love him,
but all the wicked he destroys.
Yahweh acts only in faithful love.
He is close to all who call upon him,
all who call on him from the heart.
He fulfils the desires of all who fear him,
he hears their cry and he saves them.
Yahweh guards all who love him,
but all the wicked he destroys.
My mouth shall always
praise Yahweh,
let every creature bless his holy name for ever and ever.
let every creature bless his holy name for ever and ever.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank
for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father.
May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice
that which your Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not
only listen to but also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the
Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét