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
Psalm PS 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.
AlleluiaCF. LK 8:15
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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."
Meditation: "You are
anxious - one thing is needful"
Does
the peace of Christ reign in your home and in your personal life? Jesus loved
to visit the home of Martha and Mary and enjoyed their gracious hospitality. In
this brief encounter we see two very different temperaments in Martha and Mary.
Martha loved to serve, but in her anxious manner of waiting on Jesus, she
caused unrest. Mary, in her simple and trusting manner, waited on Jesus by
sitting attentively at his feet. She instinctively knew that what the Lord and
Teacher most wanted at that moment was her attentive presence.
Give
your concerns and pre-occupations to the Lord
Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving the Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us to give him our concerns and anxieties because he is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. Do you seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in your home?
Anxiety and preoccupation keep us from listening and from giving the Lord our undivided attention. The Lord bids us to give him our concerns and anxieties because he is trustworthy and able to meet any need we have. His grace frees us from needless concerns and preoccupation. Do you seek the Lord attentively? And does the Lord find a welcomed and honored place in your home?
Always
welcome the Lord into your home and heart
The Lord Jesus desires that we make a place for him, not only in our hearts, but in our homes and in the daily circumstances of our lives as well. We honor the Lord when we offer to him everything we have and everything we do. After all, everything we have is an outright gift from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). Paul the Apostle urges us to give God glory in everything: "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).
The Lord Jesus desires that we make a place for him, not only in our hearts, but in our homes and in the daily circumstances of our lives as well. We honor the Lord when we offer to him everything we have and everything we do. After all, everything we have is an outright gift from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). Paul the Apostle urges us to give God glory in everything: "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).
When
you sit, eat, sleep and when you entertain your friends and guests, remember
that the Lord Jesus is also the guest of your home. Scripture tells us that
when Abraham opened his home and welcomed three unknown travelers, he welcomed
the Lord who blessed him favorably for his gracious hospitality (Genesis
18:1-10; Hebrews 13:2). The Lord wants us to bring him glory in the way we
treat others and use the gifts he has graciously given to us. God, in turn,
blesses us with his gracious presence and fills us with joy.
"Lord
Jesus, to be in your presence is life and joy for me. Free me from needless
concerns and preoccupations that I may give you my undivided love and
attention."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The Body of Christ needs hearers and
doers of the Word, by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"'Virtue
does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added
the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word
of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as
it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away
from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so
that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds
of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by
the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary.
It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge
of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is
preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds
with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses
what she perceives as foremost." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86)
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Genesis 18:1-10a
The first book of the Bible derives its name from the Greek rendering of chapter 2, verse 4: “these are the generations (genesis) of the heavens and the earth.” Tradition has it that Moses is the author – that is, he wrote down the oral traditions which had been passed down through the preceding centuries.
The first eleven chapters of Genesis recount such events as the creation of the earth, the flood, and the Tower of Babel. It is not until we get to the twelfth chapter that we are able to place a date on the events recounted with any certainty. Abram was called by God to journey to Canaan about 1850 B.C.. At that time Abram was 75 years old and God made him three promises of blessing; promises which were later solemnized by covenants: A nation, made a covenant in Genesis 15, and fulfilled in Moses; a name (dynasty, kingdom), made a covenant in Genesis 17:1-19, and fulfilled in David; and a worldwide blessing, made a covenant in Genesis 22 and fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. It was with Abram becoming Abraham, the father of all nations, at the making of the second covenant, that men and women began to rely upon God in faith and are changed by it. For today’s reading we join Abraham shortly after his name change. Abraham is 99 years old and he, along with all male members of his household, has just been circumcised.
18:1 The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth
A terebinth is a small tree native to the Mediterranean region that yields a resinous liquid. It is sometimes called a “terpentine tree.” Other translations show “oaks,” a shade tree which is large.
of Mamre,
The meaning is uncertain, but Mamre is thought to be a place near Hebron. It is associated with Abraham (in this reading), Isaac (in Genesis 35:27), and Jacob. To the east of Mamre is the cave in which were buried Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob. This site is now located in Hebron and is a mosque. Recently (several years ago) this mosque was shot up by a Jewish settler. The site is believed to have been a place of sanctuary in ancient times.
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,
Oriental hospitality demanded this action – it is nothing more than common courtesy.
3 he said: “Sir,
Literally, “my lord” – a common courteous greeting.
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!
3 seahs = 1 bushel
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
Used to make cheese. Cottage cheese is strained and seasoned curds of skim milk.
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. 10a One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.”
This is the same promise made to Abraham by God in Genesis 17:6. Abraham’s reaction is to laugh (Genesis 17:17). Immediately following our reading today, Sarah laughs at the news (Genesis 18:12). The child born was named Isaac, which means “laughter”.
2nd Reading - Colossians 1:24-28
Last week we started our study of the Letter to the Colossians. Recall that Paul was using this occasion to answer the Judaizers and remind them of the absolute supremacy of Jesus the Christ. Today Paul tells us his role in proclaiming the gospel.
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,
Interpreters have debated two issues related to this phrase: 1) The meaning of filling up what is lacking; and 2) The meaning of the sufferings of Christ. It does not mean that Christ’s work was somehow insufficient. The word thilipsis translated here as “sufferings” is never used to describe Christ’s passion, but it is used regularly to describe the hardships of those proclaiming the gospel. Paul’s vocation as an apostle is to complete the preaching of the gospel by bringing the Good News to places where Christ has never been preached. My personal interpretation (not Church dogma): The Church is the Body of Christ. We are united to Him through the Eucharist at the 3rd cup of the Passover meal and we are called to live out His life every day (just recall what He did between the Upper Room and Calvary) until we drink the 4th cup with Him in heaven. Suffering is necessary because it purifies and focuses, and persecution is a reward for discipleship.
“In regard to this is that which in another place the very same apostle says: ‘I now rejoice in sufferings for you, and I full up those things which are wanting of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh.’ He did not say ‘of the afflictions of me’ but ‘of Christ,’ because he was a member of Christ and in his persecutions, such as it was necessary for Christ to suffer in His whole body, even Paul was filling up Christ’s afflictions in Paul’s own portion.” [Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D.
416), Homilies on the Gospel of John 108,5,1]
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.
God’s divine plan for the world – that it is reconciled to Him through His Son. It is called a mystery because it is far beyond our comprehension and could never be understood without divine assistance.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 27 to whom God chose to make known
The revelation of the mystery is from God.
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
In Colossians there is only one mention of the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:8) and it is generic and vague. Rather, it is the Risen Christ Himself who performs the functions attributed to the Spirit in the other epistles.
“And with reason he calls that a mystery, which none knew except God. And from where hid? In Christ; as he says in the Epistle to the Ephesians (3:9). ... But now it has been manifested, he says, ‘to his holy ones.’ So we know that it is altogether of the dispensation of God. ‘But now it has been manifested,’ he says. He does not say ‘is come to pass’ but ‘has been manifested to his holy ones.’ So that it is even now still hid, since it has been manifested to his holy ones alone.” [Saint John Chrysostom (ca. A.D. 400), Homilies on the Epistle to the Colossians 5]
28 It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
The mystery is not a secret revealed to a few privileged initiates, as in pagan mystery religions, but it is destined for the whole world. There are no limitations.
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Genesis 18:1-10a
The first book of the Bible derives its name from the Greek rendering of chapter 2, verse 4: “these are the generations (genesis) of the heavens and the earth.” Tradition has it that Moses is the author – that is, he wrote down the oral traditions which had been passed down through the preceding centuries.
The first eleven chapters of Genesis recount such events as the creation of the earth, the flood, and the Tower of Babel. It is not until we get to the twelfth chapter that we are able to place a date on the events recounted with any certainty. Abram was called by God to journey to Canaan about 1850 B.C.. At that time Abram was 75 years old and God made him three promises of blessing; promises which were later solemnized by covenants: A nation, made a covenant in Genesis 15, and fulfilled in Moses; a name (dynasty, kingdom), made a covenant in Genesis 17:1-19, and fulfilled in David; and a worldwide blessing, made a covenant in Genesis 22 and fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. It was with Abram becoming Abraham, the father of all nations, at the making of the second covenant, that men and women began to rely upon God in faith and are changed by it. For today’s reading we join Abraham shortly after his name change. Abraham is 99 years old and he, along with all male members of his household, has just been circumcised.
18:1 The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth
A terebinth is a small tree native to the Mediterranean region that yields a resinous liquid. It is sometimes called a “terpentine tree.” Other translations show “oaks,” a shade tree which is large.
of Mamre,
The meaning is uncertain, but Mamre is thought to be a place near Hebron. It is associated with Abraham (in this reading), Isaac (in Genesis 35:27), and Jacob. To the east of Mamre is the cave in which were buried Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob. This site is now located in Hebron and is a mosque. Recently (several years ago) this mosque was shot up by a Jewish settler. The site is believed to have been a place of sanctuary in ancient times.
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,
Oriental hospitality demanded this action – it is nothing more than common courtesy.
3 he said: “Sir,
Literally, “my lord” – a common courteous greeting.
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!
3 seahs = 1 bushel
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
Used to make cheese. Cottage cheese is strained and seasoned curds of skim milk.
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. 10a One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.”
This is the same promise made to Abraham by God in Genesis 17:6. Abraham’s reaction is to laugh (Genesis 17:17). Immediately following our reading today, Sarah laughs at the news (Genesis 18:12). The child born was named Isaac, which means “laughter”.
2nd Reading - Colossians 1:24-28
Last week we started our study of the Letter to the Colossians. Recall that Paul was using this occasion to answer the Judaizers and remind them of the absolute supremacy of Jesus the Christ. Today Paul tells us his role in proclaiming the gospel.
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,
Interpreters have debated two issues related to this phrase: 1) The meaning of filling up what is lacking; and 2) The meaning of the sufferings of Christ. It does not mean that Christ’s work was somehow insufficient. The word thilipsis translated here as “sufferings” is never used to describe Christ’s passion, but it is used regularly to describe the hardships of those proclaiming the gospel. Paul’s vocation as an apostle is to complete the preaching of the gospel by bringing the Good News to places where Christ has never been preached. My personal interpretation (not Church dogma): The Church is the Body of Christ. We are united to Him through the Eucharist at the 3rd cup of the Passover meal and we are called to live out His life every day (just recall what He did between the Upper Room and Calvary) until we drink the 4th cup with Him in heaven. Suffering is necessary because it purifies and focuses, and persecution is a reward for discipleship.
“In regard to this is that which in another place the very same apostle says: ‘I now rejoice in sufferings for you, and I full up those things which are wanting of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh.’ He did not say ‘of the afflictions of me’ but ‘of Christ,’ because he was a member of Christ and in his persecutions, such as it was necessary for Christ to suffer in His whole body, even Paul was filling up Christ’s afflictions in Paul’s own portion.” [Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D.
416), Homilies on the Gospel of John 108,5,1]
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.
God’s divine plan for the world – that it is reconciled to Him through His Son. It is called a mystery because it is far beyond our comprehension and could never be understood without divine assistance.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 27 to whom God chose to make known
The revelation of the mystery is from God.
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
In Colossians there is only one mention of the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:8) and it is generic and vague. Rather, it is the Risen Christ Himself who performs the functions attributed to the Spirit in the other epistles.
“And with reason he calls that a mystery, which none knew except God. And from where hid? In Christ; as he says in the Epistle to the Ephesians (3:9). ... But now it has been manifested, he says, ‘to his holy ones.’ So we know that it is altogether of the dispensation of God. ‘But now it has been manifested,’ he says. He does not say ‘is come to pass’ but ‘has been manifested to his holy ones.’ So that it is even now still hid, since it has been manifested to his holy ones alone.” [Saint John Chrysostom (ca. A.D. 400), Homilies on the Epistle to the Colossians 5]
28 It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
The mystery is not a secret revealed to a few privileged initiates, as in pagan mystery religions, but it is destined for the whole world. There are no limitations.
Gospel - Luke 10:38-42
Last week we heard the parable of the good Samaritan. Shocking because the Samaritans were considered by the Jews to be even lesser than the pagans – although the Samaritans also worshiped the same God as did the Jews. Today again we hear of Jesus acting contrary to Jewish cultural norms in three ways: He is alone with women who are not his relatives, He is being served by a woman, and He is teaching a woman in her own house.
38 As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
The name “Martha” means “lady”, a feminine form of “lord.”
39 She had a sister named Mary
Not to be confused with Mary of Magdala. She is one of seven different Marys in the New Testament.
(who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
The posture of a disciple (see Luke 8:35; Acts 22:3).
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.”
The followers of Jesus need to listen to His word.
This reading again gives us a lesson on prayer. Martha approaches the Lord with a problem and the solution she wants to that problem, and the answer she receives is not the one she wanted. Mary, Jesus’ mother, on the other hand at the wedding feast at Cana pointed out the problem to Jesus and left it up to Him to work out the solution.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, JULY 21, LUKE 10:38-42
(Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28)
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 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).
TO KNOW: 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 to provide 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.
TO LOVE: Do I spend time with the Lord so that I can serve others with love?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to welcome you into my home so that I might listen to your words.
Sunday 21 July 2019
16TH WEEK
Week IV Psalter
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 18:1-10. Psalm 14(15):2-5. Colossians 1:24-28. Luke 10:38-42.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord – Psalm 14(15):2-5
‘She has chosen the better part.’
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 18:1-10. Psalm 14(15):2-5. Colossians 1:24-28. Luke 10:38-42.
The just will live in the presence of the Lord – Psalm 14(15):2-5
‘She has chosen the better part.’
Today’s two stories of hospitality give us much to meditate on.
Abraham meets his guests and gives all of his attention to their need for food,
drink and comfort. He even waits on them as they eat – and his reward is the
promise of a longed-for son.
Martha welcomes Jesus into her home, but becomes distracted by
preparations. Her sister Mary listens, sitting ‘at the Lord’s feet’. Martha’s
frustration perhaps belies a desire to do the same.
How do we relate to the wisdom of a listening heart? Do we give
time to listen to our friends’ needs, give attention to our child’s tales of
success, hear the plea of a stranger? Or are we caught up in our own busyness?
Be awake, be aware: we may miss an opportunity that may never come again. Let
us resolve to be good listeners and so give love to those we meet.
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
Saint of the Day for July 21
(July 22, 1559 – July 22, 1619)
 |
| Statue of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi on the church at the Capuchin Friary and Seminary | photo by threecharlie |
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi’s Story
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.
Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.
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.
In 1956, the Capuchins completed a 15-volume edition of
Lawrence’s writings. Eleven of these 15 contain his sermons, each of which
relies chiefly on scriptural quotations to illustrate his teaching.
Reflection
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.
Lectio Divina: 16th Sunday of ordinary time (C)
Lectio Divina
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Mary and Martha, friends of Jesus
Which is the better part chosen by Mary?
Luke 10:38 – 42
Which is the better part chosen by Mary?
Luke 10:38 – 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 silence in us 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 on the way to 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 the Father to us and sent us Your Spirit. Amen.
Create silence in us 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 on the way to 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 the Father to us 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 evangelization. This interpretation is not 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 these 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: Jesus’ answer.
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: Jesus’ answer.
c) Text:
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."
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 mean with that affirmation: “one thing alone is necessary”?
c) What was the “better part” which Mary chose and which will not be taken from her?
d) A historical event can have a more profound symbolic sense. Did you succeed in discovering a symbolic 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 mean with that affirmation: “one thing alone is necessary”?
c) What was the “better part” which Mary chose and which will not be taken from her?
d) A historical event can have a more profound symbolic sense. Did you succeed in discovering a symbolic 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:
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 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 Jesus’ visit 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). In addition, 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 Him into her house” Jesus was on the way. Luke does not always say where Jesus was passing by, but many times 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). Jesus had 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 one more stage 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 (Isa 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 Him into her house” Jesus was on the way. Luke does not always say where Jesus was passing by, but many times 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). Jesus had 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 one more stage 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 (Isa 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 service.
“She had a sister, named Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, and listened to His word; Martha, instead, was taken up with all the serving”. This was 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 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 sat at the feet of Jesus, and listened to His word; Martha, instead, was taken up with all the serving”. This was 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 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 offer 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” (Isa 50:4). Now, Mary has an attitude of prayer before Jesus. 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 offer 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” (Isa 50:4). Now, Mary has an attitude of prayer before Jesus. The question arises: Who carries out the service of a servant better - Martha or Mary?
Luke 10:41-42: Jesus’ response
“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 people 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. It is as if he would say, “Martha, it is not necessary to prepare so many things! A small thing suffices! And then come participate in this beautiful conversation!” This is the principal significance, so simple and human of the words of Jesus. Jesus likes a good conversation, and a good conversation with Jesus produces conversion. In the context of the Gospel of Luke, these decisive words of Jesus assume a more profound symbolic 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 people 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. It is as if he would say, “Martha, it is not necessary to prepare so many things! A small thing suffices! And then come participate in this beautiful conversation!” This is the principal significance, so simple and human of the words of Jesus. Jesus likes a good conversation, and a good conversation with Jesus produces conversion. In the context of the Gospel of Luke, these decisive words of Jesus assume a more profound symbolic significance:
i) Like Martha, the disciples, 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
neighbor as yourself” (Lk 10: 27). Observing this 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 fulfill their duty well (Lk 10:25-42). The many services
of Martha should be carried out beginning with this unique service truly
necessary which is the loving attention to people. 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 at table. But what 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 did 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 about those of
Hebrew origin and said that their widows were set aside and neglected in daily
life. There was discrimination in the environment of the community and people
were lacking in the various services. Up to that moment the need had not arisen
to involve other people in the coordination of the community and in the
fulfillment 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 seventy other 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 seventy-two other 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, Jesus’ word to
Martha helped them to reach a solution. Below it is possible to read the two
texts, one beside 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 at the tables. What to do? Which of the two is more
important? Jesus’ response 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!” 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. The service
of the word proper to the Apostles (and of Mary at the feet of Jesus) had two
dimensions: on the one side, listening to the Word, receiving it, incarnating
it, announcing it, diffusing it through the active work of evangelization and,
on the other side, in the name of the community, responding to God in prayer
and representing 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
people available for both of them. In the economy of the Kingdom, the service
of the Word (Evangelization) is the root, the source. It is the better part
which Mary has chosen. The service of the table is the result, the fruit, its
revelation. For Luke and for the first Christians, “the better part” of which
Jesus speaks to Martha, is the service of evangelization, source of all the
rest.
Meister 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 good to make a distinction between 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 travelled 27,000
kilometers 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 splendor 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 splendor 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 fulfills 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 fulfills 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 You 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 what 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.
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