Daily Readings for July 21, 2019

1st READING

Hospitality is an important aspect of religion. Most religions teach how to care for others regardless of their faith. Hospitality is mentioned in the Scriptures and is accompanied by a blessing for those who do it generously. The Benedictine Rule teaches hospitality as one of the most important actions of a monk. Hospitality is above all other responsibilities, as it is considered as ministering to Christ by caring for others.

Genesis 18:1-10

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. 2 Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, 3 he said: “Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. 4 Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” The men replied, “Very well, do as you have said.” 6 Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, “Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.” 7 He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. 8 Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 9 They asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” He replied, “There in the tent.” 10 One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.”

PSALM 

Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

2 One who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart 3 and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4 by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) 5 Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. One who does these things shall never be disturbed. (R)

2nd READING

Accepting suffering is not an admission that it is a good thing. God can use suffering in a redemptive manner—the suffering and death of Christ being the greatest example of this. As Christians, we know our sufferings pale in comparison to that of Christ. However, our suffering may also be redemptive if we unite it to that of Jesus. Solidarity with Jesus in our suffering is a powerful witness to true love.

Colossians 1:24-28

24 Brothers and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, 25 of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, 26 the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 27 to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 28 It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

GOSPEL

Our first priority in discipleship is to be with Jesus and allow Him to teach and form us in His ways. Service flows from our relationship with Him. The stronger our relationship with Jesus, the more deeply embedded we become in our identity as a son or daughter of God. Martha is not wrong to serve but she has allowed her service to distract her from just being in the company of Jesus.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

Luke 10:38-42

38 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 39 She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 40 Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” 41 The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 42 There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

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