Hospitality, anger, priorities and Providence

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today features texts which can begin thoughts of “what is really necessary?” Hospitality is a background and a counterpoint for the discussion. Luke tells of Jesus visit to friends Mary and Martha. We know people who are Martha. They do the hospitality for the guest. They prepare the food. They set it out. They attend to the guest. Maybe they complain for lack of help? The desire to be justified and approved in our work is strong and perhaps needs control. We are presented with many distractions and often the attention given to distractions causes us to miss the more significant opportunities for wholeness which may be right in front of our face. Jesus directs Martha to consider this. Paul exhorts the Colossians to awake to the greatest opportunity in the message he brings that is “Christ in you”. The Divine is intimately present in humanity. The distractions which draw us away from this relationship need to be identified. The actions which pull us into this relationship perhaps like those described in Genesis by Abraham towards his visitors need to be fully explored. The psalmist lists some characteristics and qualities of those who “will not be moved” from the relationship with God. Is our path crystal clear? I think not. Clarity comes from considering each circumstance in the light of the desire of the Divine to draw us in and allowing ourselves to be drawn. Larry Gillick, S.J. of the Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality offers an insight into hospitality, anger, priorities and Providence in reflection on the texts for today.