Daily Readings - Sun Jul 21 2019
Genesis
1The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.2Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.3He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.4Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.5Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way-now that you have come to your servant.Very well," they answered, "do as you say."6So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread."7Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.8He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.9"Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "There, in the tent," he said.10Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.
Colossians
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Luke
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, hospitality, and the balance between action and contemplation. The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abraham’s encounter with three mysterious visitors. Abraham’s immediate response is one of hospitality—he rushes to welcome them, offers them rest and food, and serves them with generosity. This passage highlights Abraham’s deep faith and trust in God, as well as his openness to the divine presence in unexpected forms. It also foreshadows the announcement that Sarah, despite her advanced age, will bear a son, emphasizing God’s promise and the miraculous nature of faith.
The second reading from Colossians shifts our focus to the missionary work of St. Paul. Paul describes his sufferings as a way of completing what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, emphasizing his role as a servant of the Church. He speaks of the mystery of Christ, once hidden but now revealed to all people, and the hope of glory that comes from knowing and following Christ. This passage reminds us that our faith is not just a personal relationship but also a call to share the Good News with others, even in the face of challenges and sacrifices.
In the Gospel, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, and we see two very different responses to his presence. Martha is consumed by busyness, trying to serve Jesus in a practical way, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words. Jesus gently corrects Martha, saying that Mary has chosen the “better part.” This passage teaches us that while service and action are important, they must flow from a deeper relationship with Christ. It invites us to cultivate a balance between doing and being, between activity and contemplation.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Abraham, we are called to be hospitable and open to God’s presence, even in unexpected ways. Like Paul, we are called to share the mystery of Christ with others, even when it requires sacrifice. And like Mary, we are called to prioritize time with the Lord, listening to his word and deepening our relationship with him. In a world that often values busyness and productivity, these readings remind us that true fulfillment comes from putting God first and trusting in his promises. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God, minds attentive to his word, and hands ready to serve others in love.