On the weekend of July 20-21, 2019, we celebrated the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time with Old Testament story of Abraham and his three visitors and the Gospel account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. In Fr. Mark's homily, he speaks of the importance of listening to the Lord, like Mary, before we engage in active service, like Martha. He also follows Bishop Robert Barron and Anglican bible scholar N.T. Wright in suggesting that Mary's "better part" is assuming the position and role of a disciple, which prior to Jesus would have been reserved for men only.
Fr. Rick centered his homily on Abraham's eagerness to serve his visitors despite the heat of the day, his advanced age, etc., because he sees God in them, as opposed to Martha's approach to hospitality, which is focused on herself and her sacrifices. We are all called to serve through sacrifice and suffering for love of God and neighbor, to give of ourselves gladly!
Check out the readings and homilies in English and Spanish at the links below:
- Readings in English (USCCB)
- Homily: Fr. Mark Innocenti (Audio)
- Homily: Fr. Rick Aubol (Audio)
- Lecturas en Español (USCCB)
- Homilia: Fr. Oswaldo Roche (Español) (Audio)