Readings for the Mass can be found here.
Read the readings first, it's important... I'll wait (focus on the first and the Gospel)
Ok, did you read them? Good... The two words we will be focusing on are service and time.
The first reading is an interesting story. From the book of Genesis it begins with Abraham seeing these three men, then insisting on them staying and on him serving them the choice cattle and fresh bread. His insistence to serve them dinner and persistence is comparable to the waiters and restaurant owners in the cobble paths of Rome begging you to dine at their tables. How could those three men (or men/angels of God as we learn) think of saying no?
The entire first reading is dedicated to how Abraham served them - and the reading goes into detail as if to say "look, look at ALL the things Abraham did for them! He went all out on hospitality." Abraham even dragged his wife, who I'm sure was busy with her own plans for the day, into baking fresh bread for the visitors.
In the end of this passage Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's obedience granted them a blessing - the three men told Abraham that he was going to have a son by this time next year. (Which Sarah over hears and laughs at because she is old and barren... but read ahead- Chapter 21 - her son Isaac is born)
Now lets switch to the Gospel. We first learn that Jesus and company are "on a journey" when Martha and Mary welcome him. I don't think it is too much to assume that Jesus is being followed by more than the apostles; the 72 men he sent out earlier in the chapter, possibly the "scholar of the law" that just asked him "who is my neighbor" is with them too, not to mention people looking to be healed to wanting to hear the teacher.
Basically, they welcome Jesus, and get a huge gathering. Instead of helping her sister be a hostess and serve the many people (make bread, get water, etc.) Mary takes her time to be with Jesus. Sitting in the room (probably taboo since the room was full of men) Mary listens to him speak.
Martha asks Jesus about this (hey, I'd be mad too!) but Jesus responds that Mary has chosen the better part. The classic lesson from this familiar Gospel is that busy work is not as important as spending time with Jesus.
So let's recap:
Reading 1: serve and God will grant you blessings
Gospel: God is more interested in your time than service
Wait... what? It seems contradictory, but I believe the lesson from the Gospel is about balancing service to the Lord and time with the Lord.
In my own life, I know that when I short change my time with God in prayer or reflection my service suffers. I am not as effective, not as joyful when I try to serve others in the name of Christ and strive to recognize the presence of God in each person.
In order to serve God to our best ability, we need to listen to him as Mary did. Think of Mass, once we gather in prayer, listen to his word, consume his message and presence in the Eucharist then we are able to "go in peace to love and serve the Lord." It is a first step that needs to be taken as individuals - we need to listen, to grow so that we are able to serve.
So let us spend time this week with the Lord in preparation for Mass so that we are able to listen more closely and be fed more deeply. This way we can be propelled into service in a more complete and perfect way once the Mass is ended.
No comments:
Post a Comment