TO RECEIVE THE LORD AS OUR GUEST

XVI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 10:38-42

This Sunday we are presented with two stories about welcoming the Lord who comes to us as the Guest. Indeed, the Lord of lords wants to be our guest. In the first reading, taken from the book of Genesis (Gn 18:1-10), the narrator introduces his story by saying: “The Lord appeared to Abraham”, thus leaving no doubt about the identity of the Guest. He appeared to Abraham as three men who came his way and approached his tent.  We get the feeling that they were just passing by. However, Abraham invited them to rest at his place and seat at his table. From the beginning, we understand that they were not just passers-by. These three men are the Lord who comes to enjoy Abraham’s kindness and friendship, even though he was not aware of who they were. Throughout the centuries of Christian reflection, those three men have been understood as the first glimpse of the Holy Trinity. 

We notice that Abraham treated those unknown guests with the best he had, preparing the food as if he was offering a sacrifice. The whole family was involved. The wife prepared the bread and the servant prepared the calf. Abraham himself presented the food and kept them company. The scene ends with the promise of a son, through whom God’s blessings will pass to all nations.

In the gospel, Jesus is the guest received by Martha and Mary. Like Abraham, they rush to welcome Jesus and make him feel at home. Martha assumes the work done by Sarah, doing all the work, while Mary takes the role of Abraham, keeping company with Jesus. The gospel presents a manifest tension between Martha and Mary, that is between two attitudes toward Jesus. Martha represents the service, while Mary represents the closeness and intimacy with Jesus. Seated at Jesus’ feet Mary is the disciple who listens, ready to learn from Jesus. The service is an essential part of discipleship, but discipleship is only possible if we sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him. We must feel elevated by his word, in an attitude of contemplation, brightened by his light and filled with joy by his love. Only then we will be ready for the service. We must be like Mary to be able to do the work of Martha.

Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault;

he who acts with justice

and speaks the truth from his heart;

he who does not slander with his tongue.

He who does no wrong to his brother,

who casts no slur on his neighbour,

who holds the godless in disdain,

but honours those who fear the Lord. (Psalm 15)