BE MARY IN A MARTHA’S WORLD

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Luke 10:38-42 What real hospitality is? Today’s gospel is the story of two hospitable sisters. Martha who is busy with the work of the Lord, and Mary who is more interested in knowing the Lord of the work. Mary listened and focused on one thing while Martha talked and unfocused due to many things. Mary welcomed Jesus in her heart while Martha welcome Jesus in her womb. For Martha the priority is service, for Mary her preference is being with the Lord. Friends, true hospitality is found in giving personal attention to guest than being distracted by the duties associated to hospitality. Folks, entertain your guest with your presence not with your food. Mary has choosen the better part because shes reminding us that the best nourishment is spiritual. Authentic hospitality is listening to Jesus. You know what, we always have “Mary’s syndrome.” We work but we complain. Sometimes we love comparison too. Right? Todays gospel is teaching us this lessons: First, our service is meaningless if we keep comparing and complaining. Second, our service is empty if our priority is earthly and not heavenly. Spiritual concerns matter most than material affairs. “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.” Mary trusted Jesus while Martha trusted her own abilities. Finally, work and prayer are not viewed as one of opposition but of complementary. It is not Mary versus Martha; it is Mary and Martha. We must have the balance. Work like Martha and love like Mary. We need to work and we also need to pray. But please let us not compromise our prayer because of our work. Friends, amidst of our busy lifestyles let us not forget to develop a relationship with Jesus. Have a heart of Mary in a Martha world. In the midst of our hectic worldly preoccupations of making a living, we should never overlook the “the best part” that is listening to Jesus. Blessings Fr. Jhack