16 SUNDAY, CYCLE C

Luke 10: 38-42  

 There are many ways of showing hospitality.  Once I attended a relative’s birthday party at which the host was outside making sure the yard looked good while the hostess was in the kitchen cooking and talking to a friend and I was in the living room entertaining the guests. 
 
   In the Gospel we hear about the hospitality of Martha and Mary towards Jesus.  Martha was busying serving the Lord while her sister Mary was at the feet of Jesus listening to him.  Of course like many families, there was conflict and resentment between the sisters.  Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help with the serving but Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.
 
   I believe that we can relate and sympathize with Martha because we are busy serving the Lord and one another.  We are busy at home running errands, doing the chores, and being a taxi driver in shuttling family to work, school, and other activities.  We are busy at work meeting deadlines, completing projects, and getting jobs done. And we are busy at church attending meetings, serving in various ministries, and going to practices.  However, in our busyness we can miss the important thing, which is getting to know those who we serve.
 
   To better know one another, we need to slow down and even stop what we are doing and be present to those who are in front of us.  We are also called to actively listen to those speaking to us by putting away our phones and turning off the T.V.  Thus, we are able to give our complete attention to the speaker.  Moreover, we are to respond when necessary to the message and feelings more than just nodding our head and saying yes. 
 
   Just as we are to be attentive to one another, we are also called to be present to the Lord in prayer.  To listen to  Jesus, we are to set aside time each day in prayer and do our best to limit distractions.  We are at the feet of Jesus when we make a holy hour and in adoring Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.  We also spend time listening to Jesus by spending fifteen minutes reading the Bible, pondering on God’s Word and responding in prayer.   Moreover, we spend time talking to God, casting our troubles and cares on his shoulders, thanking him for the   blessings received and praying for one another.  Yet, we are also called to be silent in prayer and listen to the whisper of God.  Therefore, may we take time out of our busy life to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him.