Daily Readings - Tue Oct 08 2019
Jonah
1And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,2Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.3So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.4And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.5So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.6For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.7And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.9Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?10And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Luke
38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our response to His call. The first reading from Jonah recounts the prophet's mission to Nineveh, a city steeped in sin. Despite Jonah's initial reluctance, he ultimately obeys God's command, preaching a message of repentance. The people of Nineveh, from the king to the lowest citizen, heed the warning, fasting and seeking mercy. Their sincere conversion moves God to spare the city, demonstrating His boundless compassion and readiness to forgive.
The Gospel passage shifts our focus to the home of Martha and Mary, where Jesus is a guest. While Martha is consumed by the duties of hospitality, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet, listening intently to His words. When Martha complains, Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the "better part," which will not be taken from her. This story highlights the importance of balancing action with contemplation, urging us to prioritize our spiritual nourishment amidst life's demands.
Both readings call us to examine our priorities and responses to God's presence in our lives. Like the people of Nineveh, we are invited to turn away from sin and seek mercy with humility. Like Mary, we are encouraged to cultivate a deep, listening relationship with Jesus, even in the midst of busy lives. May we, like these biblical figures, embrace God's call with openness and faith, trusting in His love and forgiveness to guide us on our journey.