Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42
There is need of only one thing…
Most of us enjoy singing the traditional hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” in preparation for Christmas. Emmanuel means “God is with us.” We revel in the fact that the God of the universe came down from heaven to earth as a baby to be with us and to share our life in common.
Do you ever ponder this? The once tiny but all-powerful Creator of the universe wants to be with you, speak to you, share His life with you. It may seem too incredible, but it is true. Today’s Scriptures show us how Our Lord chose to make Himself present to people and how He rewarded their attentive presence to Him.
One hot afternoon, the patriarch Abraham looked out of his tent to see three men “standing nearby” (Genesis Chap. 18). Without even an introduction, Abraham quickly prepared a meal for them. Before departing, the men predicted that they would return.
When people accept our invitations, it makes us happy, showing they value our company and creating a sense of connection. The mysterious guests accepted Abraham’s offer of hospitality as he silently waited on them. By remaining “present” to the three, Abraham received the present of their prophecy that his long-awaited son would be born the following year!
The men appeared to be three individual persons but spoke as if they were just one. That makes us think of the Trinity, eternally One in Three! Could the Blessed Trinity have actually visited and spent time with Abraham?
What would that have been like? Scripture tells us that there was a family in the Holy Land who did enjoy living in the Lord’s presence, and whom he seemed to enjoy as well – Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany. Isn’t it interesting that this family was also composed of three persons? (And, yes, they were three individual persons.)
St. Luke’s well-known Gospel story depicts the two sisters as almost rivaling for Jesus’ attention. Martha was busy serving the meal, and Mary was seated at his feet, listening to Jesus’ words. Both holy women paid attention to Jesus, but Martha was dissatisfied. She told the Lord, “Tell her to help me.” Notice how familiarly Martha spoke to Jesus.
Can’t you just hear her saying that?
Are you surprised by Our Lord’s response to Martha?
Mary, the attentive listener, was focused on Jesus’ presence and words. Martha was focused on the works she was doing. Although these works were done to benefit Jesus Himself, it was now about getting the work done rather than who it was being done for – they had become a distraction for her. We see that Jesus longed for someone to be present to Him, to actively listen to His words. He is always the divine Teacher.. and teachers want students to pay attention. “Mary has chosen the better part…”
We know God wants to be with us. So, how can we be more attentive to His words spoken specifically to us?
Ask yourself, what is the “better part” Jesus wants me to focus on this day? this week?
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part,
And it will not be taken from her.
and then