16th Sunday Ordinary Time

16 ^th Sunday of Ordinary Time
 
In the first reading today Abraham is visited by strangers. Instinctively he knows that they are a manifestation of the Heavenly God. At one time he addresses them as “They” and at another time he addresses them as “Sir.” We are given a clue to the mystery when we see Abraham address them as “Sir.” This is a very respectful greeting. Abraham offers Sir to wash His feet and to offer Him food. He runs to his wife and he tells her to get some food ready quickly. The first lesson is contrasted with the Gospel reading today. The story is told in reverse order. It is told from the perspective of Jesus the guest. Martha and Mary have the task of entertaining Him. Martha is the one busy in the kitchen making sure that everything is prepared. Mary is the lazy sister who decides it is better to sit with the guest and have a chat. This makes me think of all those times I went to visit someone’s house for dinner. We have all experienced this. They invite us to sit in the living room while they carry on in the kitchen. The conversation carries on while we shout at each other through the walls. It becomes neither one nor the other. Usually I end up leaving the couch and planting myself in the kitchen so we can actually be in the same room and have our chat in person. Christian spirituality takes a different view of Martha and Mary. We are asked to view the scene from the perspective of prayer. Martha is like many of us who when we are invited to sit in the company of the Lord Jesus, we fuss and grow distracted. We can’t stay still for a minute. Mary is like many others of us who have learned to stop all the doings. She is able to sit still and be present in the company of the Lord Jesus. It is hard to get the balance right. I remember years ago I was asked to direct a small prayer group in a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. I gave them some scripture to ponder. I set the stage and I told them that right now I had to go and close the Church for the night. I promised that when I came back I would be able to give them my complete attention. I returned about fifteen minutes later to find them on the Third Glorious Mystery. I smiled. We find it so hard to remain still in the company of the Lord. This is what I call “the doings.” We have to be doing something. It is impossible to sit still even for a moment. Jesus said Mary chose the better part. I guess if you are hyperactive and fidgety you would resent Mary also.
With love, Fr. Pat