Daily Readings - Tue Oct 08 2024

¹³For you have heard of my former behavior within Judaism: that, beyond measure, I persecuted the Church of God and fought against Her¹⁴And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my equals among my own kind, having proven to be more abundant in zeal toward the traditions of my fathers¹⁵But, when it pleased him who, from my mother’s womb, had set me apart, and who has called me by his grace¹⁶to reveal his Son within me, so that I might evangelize him among the Gentiles, I did not next seek the consent of flesh and blood¹⁷Neither did I go to Jerusalem, to those who were Apostles before me. Instead, I went into Arabia, and next I returned to Damascus¹⁸And then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem to see Peter; and I stayed with him for fifteen days¹⁹But I saw none of the other Apostles, except James, the brother of the Lord²⁰Now what I am writing to you: behold, before God, I am not lying²¹Next, I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia²²But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ²³For they had only heard that: "He, who formerly persecuted us, now evangelizes the faith which he once fought.²⁴And they glorified God in me

Luke

Chapter 10

³⁸Now it happened that, while they were traveling, he entered into a certain town. And a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her home³⁹And she had a sister, named Mary, who, while sitting beside the Lord’s feet, was listening to his word⁴⁰Now Martha was continually busying herself with serving. And she stood still and said: "Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, speak to her, so that she may help me.⁴¹And the Lord responded by saying to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things⁴²And yet only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on our spiritual journey and priorities. The first reading from Galatians recounts Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor of the Church to a humble apostle, emphasizing his divine call and mission to the Gentiles. This passage underscores Paul's recognition of God's grace and his unwavering commitment to spreading the faith, despite his past. The Gospel from Luke presents the story of Martha and Mary, where Martha is absorbed in serving while Mary chooses to listen to Jesus. Jesus gently reminds Martha that while service is good, focusing on Him is the greater priority. Both readings highlight the importance of spiritual focus and transformation. Paul's journey illustrates how God can transform even the most unlikely individuals, calling them to a higher purpose. Similarly, Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet reminds us that amidst life's busyness, our primary focus should be on nurturing our relationship with God. These stories encourage us to balance our active lives with moments of contemplation and listening, ensuring that our spiritual well-being is not overshadowed by worldly tasks. In our daily lives, these readings invite us to examine our priorities. Like Martha, we may often find ourselves preoccupied with tasks, but Mary's example teaches us the value of pausing to listen and be present with God. Paul's transformation challenges us to remain open to God's call, trusting in His grace and purpose for our lives. The moral lesson here is the necessity of balance—engaging in service while also cultivating a deep, personal connection with God. By prioritizing our spiritual life, we can, like Mary, choose the better part, which will never be taken away.