Today’s first reading and psalm can be seen to be in opposition to today's Gospel reading. In the first reading, we hear of Abraham “rolling out the red carpet” for three visitors that he doesn’t know; as far as he knew at the time, they were just three travelers passing by. Nevertheless, he opened his home to them to ensure that they felt     welcome and to help them on their journey. In return for his generosity, God rewarded him and Sarah with a child, despite Sarah’s advanced age.

The psalm echoes this theme, telling of all the benefits that belong to one who “does justice”, who cares for his fellow humans. “He will live in the presence of the Lord”; the inference is that one who does not do these things will not have God’s favor upon him/her.

The Gospel reading seems to paint a different picture. Jesus entered the home of Martha and Mary. Martha busied herself with all the “necessary” things to provide for their guest, while Mary simply sat with Jesus and listened to Him. When Martha finally got disgusted with her sister and asked Jesus to direct Mary to help her, Jesus said no…that Martha was worried about many things, when only one thing mattered. “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

How are we to reconcile these two seemingly opposite positions? I’m sure there are many ways to view this; the lesson that these readings, taken together, impart to me is that both behaviors are important. There are times when we need to care for our fellow travelers, but we need also to make time to “listen” to Jesus…time in prayer, study, and reflection. And, when we are performing acts of service to others, we need to keep in mind that we are doing it out of love for them and for Jesus, not because it draws attention to ourselves.

Reflection by parishioner John Ceglarek