July 18, 2010 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR
18 JULY 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:00
READINGS: Genesis 18:1-10a; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: As you know, on every Sunday the first reading and the gospel reading convey parallel messages. Rarely is it as evident as it is today when both speak of hospitality. Abraham and Sarah, Martha and Mary offer that precious gift.
1. In the gospel story Mary and Martha represent different dimensions of hospitality. One author suggests that Martha wanted Jesus to listen to her, while Mary wanted to listen to Jesus. Mary knew Jesus needed company that day. He needed not a housekeeper but a listener.
Frankly, we know that both roles are necessary. Mary represents the attitude of listening, of prayer. Martha, even though she overdoes it, is the symbol of service. The Benedictine Order has a famous motto, “Ora et labora.” It translates “Pray and work.” One young monk had some questions about the motto. So, one day the abbot invited him to row across the lake with him. The abbot rowed first – but with one oar. As a result the boat went in circles, and they made no progress. The young monk said, “Abbot, unless you row with both oars, you won’t get anywhere.” The abbot replied, “You’re so right, son! The right oar is prayer; the left is work. Unless you use them together you just go in circles.” It is a motto not just for monks. It belongs at the heart of every Christian’s life.
2. Overall, the story invites us to examine our own relationship with Jesus. Many years ago someone came up with a great idea as a guide for making decisions. The idea was WWJD, What Would Jesus Do? People still wear wrist bands with WWJD to remind them to choose the course of action that Jesus would choose. I think that is wonderful. But I want to propose an even better guide. Instead of focusing on Jesus out there somewhere, focus in on the presence of the Lord right here, right now, in your lives, in that of your family and others, in the Church, in the world. Better even than reflecting on his commands, reflect on his presence here and now in your life. Like Mary be a listener to him.
3. Hospitality takes many forms. Once there was a man who had grown weary of life. Tired to death. So one day he decided to leave his own home town, to search for the perfect Magical City where all would be different new, full, and rewarding. So, he left. On his journey he found himself in a forest. So, he settled down for the night, took out his sack and had a bite to eat. Before he turned in for sleep he was careful to take off his shoes and point them to the new direction toward which he was going. However, unknown to him, while he slept a jokester came during the night and turned his shoes around. When the man awoke the next morning he carefully stepped into his shoes and continued on to the Magical City. After a few days, he came to the Magical City. Not quite as large as he imagined it, however. In fact, it looked somewhat familiar. He found a familiar street, knocked at a familiar door, met a familiar family he found there and lived happily ever after. The jokester had done him a favor. Sometimes hospitality is welcoming an estranged family member home; sometimes it may be directing someone to a fulfilling career; sometimes it might be inviting someone back to church!
Conclusion: Let us be a people who like Martha and Mary both serve him and listen to him. Let us be aware of his presence among us; let us extend hospitality to people that welcomes them home!