Daily Readings - Tue Oct 08 2019
Jonah
1Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:2"Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."3Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city-a visit required three days.4On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."5The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.6When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.7Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.9Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."10When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.
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 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.