Daily HOMILY for October 8, 2013: Tuesday of 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

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Tue 27^th Week OT

St. Luke’s Institute

October 8, 2013

OLD FAMILIAR STORY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  When J comes 2 Bethany, Martha = hospitality by welcoming J

Ø  She busies herself w/ tasks of serving preparing meal

Ø  Hospitality very important

Ø  Meanwhile sister Mary at Jesus’ feet, listening

Ø  Imp 2 note rather than assuming role expected of women, she takes place at feet of J assumes posture of student at feet of rabbi, a role for men
DISTRACTION & WORRY ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Story takes sharp turn when Martha comes to J & asks, “Lord, don’t care…. Tell her 2 help me”

Ø  We may cheer Mary 4 inversion of traditional roles or empathize w/ Martha’s for being left w/ all work

Ø  J chides her 4 her distraction & worry, praising Mary: “Martha, U R worried & distracted by many things; only 1 thing necessary

Ø  Mary chosen better part

THE PROBLEM ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Problem w/ Martha not busy providing hospitality, but is worried & distracted

Ø  Word “distracted” w/ being pulled in many directions

Ø  Her distraction & worry leave no room 4 most imp of hospitality, attention 2 guest

Ø  Breaks rules of hospitality by trying 2 embarrass sr in front of guest & asking guest 2 intervene in dispute

Ø  Even accuses J not caring about her

Ø  Worry & distraction prevent her fr being present w/ J & drive wedge betw sister & self & betw Jesus & self

Ø  Missed out on “1 thing needed” 4 true hospitality, listening 2 your guest.

Ø  2 receive presence, listen 2 wds, know she’s valued not 4 what she does or how does it, but 4 who she is

The One Thing Needed
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We’re tempted 2 measure R worth by how busy, how much accomplish, or how well meet expectations

Ø  W/ Martha, pulled in directions, distracted w/ things

Ø  True busyness & distraction stems fr good intentions

Ø  We want to serve, be friends, love the Lord

Ø  But if R activities leave us w/ no time 2 B still J’s presence & word, likely 2 end up anxious & troubled

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We know J invites us who are worried & distracted by many things 2 sit & rest in presence, to know that we are loved and valued, 2 B renewed in faith & strengthened for service

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