Mary has chosen the best and will not be taken away from her

Gen. 18:1-10, Col. 1:24-28, Lk. 10:38-42. On this Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church reminds of the importance of hospitality, which is a Christian virtue and duty towards others. The story of Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary in today's Gospel complements the story of the Good Samaritan, we had last week Sunday. Both stories are unique to the Gospel of Luke. The story of the Good Samaritan opens with the words “a certain man.” Today's Gospel opens with the words “a certain woman.” The Samaritan is an example of how a disciple should see and act. Mary is an example of how a disciple should listen. Mary, a woman, is seemly a marginalised person in the society, like the Samaritans. Both do what is not expected of them in the society.

As a woman, Mary would be expected, like Martha, to prepare hospitality for a guest. Here again, Jesus breaks the social conventions of His time. Just as a Samaritan would not be a model for being a neighbour, so a woman would not sit with the men around the feet of a teacher. Both stories exemplify how a disciple is to fulfill the dual command of love of God (Mary) and love of neighbour (the Samaritan). These are the two essentials of life in the Kingdom. Hospitality to strangers is another virtue that is closely connected to love of neighbour. In today's first reading, Abraham displays his hospitality by receiving and welcoming strangers in his house. Fortunately for him, the strangers were messengers from God. Not only did he welcome them under his roof, he took extreme care of their material needs. He equally paid attention to their message and instruction. Hence, through his hospitality, he expressed his spirituality. For this, God decided to reward and bless his household.

May the Lord draw our heart to appreciate the presence of His Divine Majesty in our lives! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!