Daily Readings - Sun Jul 20 2025
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 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.