Daily Readings - Sun Jul 20 2025
Genesis
1And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.2He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth3and said, "O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,5while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on--since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said."6And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes."7And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly.8Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.9They said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "She is in the tent."10The LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
Colossians
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,25of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.27To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Luke
38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about hospitality, faith, and the balance between action and contemplation. The first reading from Genesis describes Abraham’s encounter with three mysterious visitors, whom he welcomes with generous hospitality. Abraham and Sarah go to great lengths to provide for their guests, even though they are unaware that these visitors are divine messengers. Their kindness and openness are rewarded with the extraordinary promise that Sarah, despite her advanced age, will bear a son. This story highlights the importance of hospitality and trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible.
The second reading from Colossians shifts our focus to the missionary work of St. Paul, who sees his sufferings as a way to complete what is lacking in the Passion of Christ. Paul’s mission is to make known the mystery of Christ, which has been revealed to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that Christ is the hope of glory within us, and his work is to bring everyone to full maturity in Christ. This reading reminds us that our faith is not just for ourselves but is meant to be shared with others, and that we are all called to participate in the mission of the Church.
In the Gospel, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, where Martha is busy preparing a meal while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words. When Martha complains about Mary’s inaction, Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the better part. This passage is not a criticism of Martha’s service but a reminder that our relationship with God must always come first. In a world that often values busyness and productivity, this Gospel challenges us to prioritize time for prayer, reflection, and listening to God’s word.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we balance action and contemplation in our lives. Like Abraham and Sarah, we are called to be hospitable and trusting in God’s promises. Like St. Paul, we are called to share the mystery of Christ with others. And like Mary, we are called to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning. May we strive to live lives that are both active in service and rooted in a deep, personal relationship with Christ. Let us remember that the best portion, as Mary chose, is to be with the Lord.