(Reflections for July 21, 2019)

Gospel: (Luke 10:38-42)

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.”

Reflection:

Martha’s hospitality was made edgy because of her becoming burdened with the cooking and serving. Martha is settling to be a servant where Jesus is looking for disciples. Mary’s hospitality was gracious because she focused her attention on Jesus: “she sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” The surprise is that Jesus affirms that the “better part” is to sit and listen—both metaphors for discipleship. The “better part” is to be a disciple! Before we can carry on the mission of Jesus as disciples we must become disciples by sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him. Practically speaking, this means being attentive to the Scriptures during Mass. It also means taking the time to be with Jesus in prayer—not just saying prayers, but being quiet and listening to how Jesus speaks to our hearts. (Living Liturgy, p.176)

Vincentian Meditation:

“Have you noticed that there is no rejection of Martha, no suggestion that she should not have been engaged in preparing the meal? Jesus merely underlines a truth that St.Luke records earlier, namely, that they are blessed who hear the word of God and keep it. He is putting emphasis on a sense of attention to the word of God, if we are to offer that service to others which is the fulfillment of the second great commandment of the law. Hearing the word of God in prayer through reflection is a condition for true selfless loving service of the body of Christ.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 298)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

In our Conference how can we become disciples more like Mary ?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, show us the way to be disciples who “sit and listen,”
-Spirit of God, show us the way.
When we suffer with those who suffer,
-Spirit of God, show us the way.
When we hear the cries of the hungry,
-Spirit of God, show us the way.
When we meet the broken-hearted.
-Spirit of God, show us the way. Amen