Serving and Attending

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our role in hospitality and care by attending to the “better part” as revealed by the Spirit.

Seek the "better part"

The Reading from Genesis describes the hospitality shown to Abraham’s Visitors.

* [18:1] Chapters 18 and 19 combined form a continuous narrative, concluding the story of Abraham and his nephew Lot that began in 13:2–18. The mysterious men visit Abraham in Mamre to promise him and Sarah a child the following year (18:1–15) and then visit Lot in Sodom to investigate and then to punish the corrupt city (19:1–29). Between the two visits, Abraham questions God about the justice of punishing Sodom (18:16–33). At the end of the destruction of Sodom, there is a short narrative about Lot as the ancestor of Moab and the Ammonites (19:30–38).

* [18:3] Abraham addresses the leader of the group, whom he does not yet recognize as the Lord; in the next two verses he speaks to all three men. The other two are later (Gn 19:1) identified as angels. The shifting numbers and identification of the visitors are a narrative way of expressing the mysterious presence of God.

* [18:6] Three measures: Hebrew seah; three seahs equal one ephah, about half a bushel.

* [18:8] Curds: a type of soft cheese or yogurt. (Genesis, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 15 presents a liturgical scrutiny.

* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor.

* [15:1] Your tent: the Temple could be referred to as “tent” (Ps 61:5; Is 33:20), a reference to the tent of the wilderness period and the tent of David (2 Sm 6:17; 7:2), predecessors of the Temple. Holy mountain: a venerable designation of the divine abode (Ps 2:6; 3:5; 43:3; 48:2, etc.).

* [15:5] Lends no money at interest: lending money in the Old Testament was often seen as assistance to the poor in their distress, not as an investment; making money off the poor by charging interest was thus forbidden (Ex 22:24; Lv 25:36–37; Dt 23:20). (Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter to the Colossians proclaims Christ in Us.

* [1:24] What is lacking: although variously interpreted, this phrase does not imply that Christ’s atoning death on the cross was defective. It may refer to the apocalyptic concept of a quota of “messianic woes” to be endured before the end comes; cf. Mk 13:8, 19–20, 24 and the note on Mt 23:29–32. Others suggest that Paul’s mystical unity with Christ allowed him to call his own sufferings the afflictions of Christ. (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes the “better part” of the hospitality of Martha and Mary.

* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.

* [10:39] Sat beside the Lord at his feet: it is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3), and it reveals a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3).

* [10:42] There is need of only one thing: some ancient versions read, “there is need of few things”; another important, although probably inferior, reading found in some manuscripts is, “there is need of few things, or of one.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, finds himself hearing the Word differently. He is retired from an active ministry, now living in a Jesuit health care community, and going to dialysis three days a week.

I hear Jesus say to me more directly, “Andy, only one thing is necessary now.  Let go of a pile of worries and anxieties.  Listen to me. Listen to me tell you I love you. Listen to me forgive you with tender mercy.  Let yourself enjoy my affection for you. Feel comforted and enjoy just being with me. Me in you; you in me. “ 

Dear Lord of my life, thank you for this deep gift today, inviting me to receive your love and your grace, being rich enough and asking for nothing more. Please bless your people with these gifts of your love.  Let us be a welcoming, merciful church, missionary to the core, announcing the Good News of your love, offering us a vision of a church of Justice for all.  Amen. (Alexander, n.d.)  

 

Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word”, by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 18:1-10 takes a look at how Abraham responded to God’s presence to see how we can respond to him today.

So remember Abraham when you come into God’s mysterious, surprising presence today. Let the promise of his love fill your heart with reverence. Generously offer him your attention, your worship, the best of who you are. As you do, you’ll come to see him more and more clearly. Just like Abraham.

“Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to me in mystery. Help me to respond to you wholeheartedly!” (Meditation on Genesis 18:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that in Genesis the three visitors to Abraham are shown enormous hospitality as an important act for desert people. Are they the Trinity of New Testament times? An enormous amount of food shows Abraham’s generosity. The Letter to the Colossians is attributed to Paul even with theology and vocabulary that are different. What is lacking in the suffering of Christ may be to make it present again and give witness as a visible sign of invisible grace. When we suffer we can show our belief. Martha and Mary and the hospitality is compared to choosing the better portion. Is contemplative better than active? Mary is spending time with her guest. We are nudged to think about the people already in front of us. Friar Jude suggests we might do a little less and spend more time with family and neighbours in listening and dialogue at a holiday meal like Mary.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, explores how getting in touch with our grief allows us to transform our anger. Collective greed is killing America today. We make everything about money—everything—and injustices like these will naturally leave us exasperated and ultimately sad. How can we look at the suffering taking place in Gaza, Ukraine, or Sudan and be anything but sad? It’s sad beyond words or concepts. Spiritual teacher Mirabai Starr describes the compassion that can arise as we experience both our anger and our grief.

Anger is a natural response when we let the pain of the world into our hearts. It is not the only appropriate response, of course. However, when we can welcome the fire of the Prophets into our own lives, we tap into the true nature of righteousness and draw the vigor necessary to step up in service to that which is greater than ourselves. We remember our essential interconnectedness with all that is and we are motivated to act on the impulse to protect the web of inter-being with all our might.  

Personal and planetary grief are inextricable. Our encounter with the manifold losses that characterize the human experience can till the soil of our hearts so that we are more available to the suffering of other beings and the earth we share. When we have been broken, we recognize the brokenness around us and compassion naturally grows. Sorrow can be paralyzing at first, but compassion, which can sometimes take the form of anger, is a wellspring that offers infinite sustenance. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We stop to allow the Spirit to guide our response to the need for hospitality in serving the people we encounter in the mysterious union of what they need and what heals our souls.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-20-2025 

Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1? 

Genesis, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/18?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38 

Meditation on Genesis 18:1-10. (n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/07/20/1336075/ 

Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Grief, Anger, and Compassion. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/grief-anger-and-compassion/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious - One Thing Is Needful. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jul20 

Works Indifference and Salvation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess the obstacles in our environment that impede our good works and reduce our commitment to conquering indifference.

Open the door against indifference

The reading from the Book of Revelation is the Message to Sardis and Laodicea

* [3:1–6] The letter to Sardis does not praise the community but admonishes its members to watchfulness, mutual support, and repentance (Rev 3:2–3). The few who have remained pure and faithful will share Christ’s victory and will be inscribed in the book of life (Rev 3:4–5).

* [3:14–22] The letter to Laodicea reprimands the community for being lukewarm (Rev 3:15–16), but no particular faults are singled out. Their material prosperity is contrasted with their spiritual poverty, the violet tunics that were the source of their wealth with the white robe of baptism, and their famous eye ointment with true spiritual perception (Rev 3:17–18). But Christ’s chastisement is inspired by love and a desire to be allowed to share the messianic banquet with his followers in the heavenly kingdom (Rev 3:19–21). (Revelation, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 15 asks Who shall abide in God’s Sanctuary?

* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor.(Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes the encounter of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10). (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamara Whitney comments that even after Mother went into home hospice, last year, it was ten months after that when she died. We do not know the hour, even when we think we do. 

In the Gospel a short man called Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus, but he is too short to see over the crowd. I can relate to that. I too am short of stature and can never see the parade or the movie when there are tall people in front of me. Zacchaeus climbs a tree and gets the attention of Jesus who changes Zach’s life in this encounter. Jesus calls to him, and Zacchaeus answers the call. He welcomes Jesus into his home and more importantly into his heart. The churches need to answer the call and the people need to answer the call before it’s too late. (Whitney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merley in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 comments that violence, and the idea of retribution or “getting even,” is commonplace. We may even have personal experience of a parent or teacher or other authority figure coming down on us too hard or making us feel guilty or inadequate. So it should be no surprise to discover that we assume that God acts the same way. When we have sinned, we might expect a wrath-filled, overpowering, and outsize reprisal.

God assured the Laodiceans that he chastises only out of love (Revelation 3:19). He showed them where they needed to change so they could once more know the joy of being in his presence. The same is true for you. Don’t let fear hold you back. Open the door and let God in!

“Father, thank you for loving me enough to want to heal me!” (Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Revelations passage addresses the deficiency of each city using imagery that is meaningful to the geography, history and lifestyle of the particular city. Zacchaeus was hated as tax collector and of short stature. He had to climb the sycamore tree where he could be attacked. Friar Jude reminds us that in John and Luke, salvation begins when we encounter Jesus.

Dr. Barbara Holmes’ book Joy Unspeakable explores contemplative practices in the Black church. She shows us how contemplation can be practiced through community, music, and movement. Holmes considers the transcendent nature of “ecstatic singing”:  

It is anointed singing from consecrated singers … that allows access to the holy, but more specifically it is the repetition of verses that shifts perception … [and] allows individuals to fill in their own story, silently or through the cries of recognition and affirmation. This is the contemplative moment, the recognition that each and every member of the congregation shares the same angst over the troubles of the world and the need for reunion…. The “ohs” are repeated over and over again until every person remembers a time when they cried out for God’s intervention. A deep listening abides between every note and stanza. Those who listen know that the Holy Spirit is in control. [2] (Holmes, n.d.)

We ponder the enthusiasm and action of Zacchaeus and express our openness to being called to full life in Christ by the Spirit.

References

Holmes, B. (n.d.). Contemplation in Community. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/contemplation-in-community/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1

Psalms, PSALM 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15? 

Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/19/1132926/ 

Revelation, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/3?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov19

Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111824.html