Daily Readings - Tue Oct 08 2024

¹³For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.¹⁴I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.¹⁵But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased¹⁶to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man,¹⁷nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.¹⁸Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days.¹⁹I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother.²⁰I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.²¹Later I went to Syria and Cilicia.²²I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.²³They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."²⁴And they praised God because of me.

Luke

Chapter 10

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 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.