THE WORD
Gal 1,13-24 / Lk 10,38-42
As [Jesus and his disciples] continued their journey [Jesus] entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Filipino hospitality suggests that we offer our guests the best, especially food and accommodation. In today’s Gospel, Martha does the same thing in serving the Lord, making him feel comfortable and provided for everything He needs. However, for Jesus Martha’s company is far more important than her serving Him. Jesus wants to be with His friends to share with them the joy of the gospel. Today, we are all busy with our work to ensure our future and our family. Like Martha we are burdened with many things in life. Hence, our gospel is urging us to give time and space for God even just for a moment amidst our busy schedules. Jesus is longing to share His company with us and like Mary we should pause and listen to His Words – our source of strength and life. We should end the day with the thought: “I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.”
St. Francis of Assisi felt the presence of Christ in his solitude and allowed Jesus to accompany him. That experience changed his life forever. Life is easier if we allow the Lord to be part of our everyday struggle and aspirations. Listening to the Lord gives us peace and consolation. Being with the Lord, like Mary does, is not a sign of laziness, complacency or escape but a way of allowing our lives to be continually inspired by His Words so we can continue moving on despite the burden of work. Let us all be reminded by Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). Yes, we find rest in the Lord and being with Him is a gift that we should cherish and treasure.
- Fr. Patricio R. delos Reyes Jr, SVD | Liceo del Verbo Divino – Tacloban City
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
