Genesis 18:1-10
Psalms 15:2-5
Colossians 1:24-28
Luke 10:38-42
Let’s unpack today’s readings. In some of this week’s readings, I believe, there is a theme shared among them. I will touch on all readings, but I think I want to focus on the gospel and the Psalm this week.
The first reading from Genesis tells of the time when it seemed angels of the Lord appeared to Abraham to tell him his wife would have a son. That son, Issaac, would grow up and have a son named Jacob, who would then go on to father twelve sons, that would later become the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Israel was God’s people, whom he led out of Egypt and eventually to the Promised Land. They were trying to follow God’s law, the Law of Moses, by following the commandments and the statutes set forth by God.
So that brings us to the Psalm, which also connects to the gospel reading today. Psalm 15 says, “He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart; who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:2-5/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This Psalm easily can be seen as a way to live, right? One who does not lie, speaks ill of others or gossip about others, harms no others and lives honestly, will live a life of peace and will ultimately reflect the loving and caring nature our Lord Jesus Christ had for others and what he was trying to preach.
This sort of way of life, I think, also reflects the Beatitudes given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel in Chapter Five.
So, this leads into today’s gospel reading. It might be a little stretch, but I think it connects beautifully. Jesus’ teaching the Beatitudes on the mountain in Chapter Five of Matthew is similar to Martha receiving Jesus in her home, but then does all the work serving everyone while her sister, Mary, is listening to Jesus in Luke’s gospel. When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, he responds by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,” (Luke 10:38-41/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Martha is worried about all the work that needs to be done, while Mary is listening to Jesus speak the Word of God. So when Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion,” (Luke 10:42/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), I believe Jesus is saying Mary has put aside all worries and focuses to hear Jesus speak about how to live a good life and to bring her attention to his teachings.
So I believe, through today’s readings, we can learn how to live a good life by treating others well and not harming others. You know, live by the Golden Rule. Treat others how you would like to be treated. I’m sure everyone would like to be treated fairly and kindly. If not, therein lies a problem. Let’s all strive to be our best to ourselves and others.
Now, I will leave you with this verse, “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)
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