Deacon Greg 7-17-22
Let’s begin with the promise of St. Paul: “Christ is in you!”
I’m just not a very complex person. I’ve tried my whole life to simplify things down to the lowest common denominator, so today seems to call us to be ready to receive and serve the Lord in a visitor, or a neighbor in need, and be ready for the rewards!
In today’s first reading God pays a visit to Abraham in the form of three visitors. Unaware that it was the Lord, Abraham eagerly welcomed three, saying, "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." It’s important to note that at the time, the cultural rule and norm was that one would ALWAYS care for widows, orphans and strangers. Yes… This was an understood obligation because in that patriarchal society, losing one’s husband meant losing and source of income. Losing one’s parents obviously did not bode well for any child or set of siblings attempting to live on their own. And finally, instead of chastising a stranger for “not being from around here,” one was called to welcome them, helping them get on their feet.
I would contend that for the most part, our hearts are still moved to care for those who have lost something significant, like a spouse or parents, but welcoming strangers? I’m not sure I see that too often… There seems to be a lot of suspicion or worry involved with such a move, so it follows last week’s challenge very well: Who is my neighbor and how shall I care for them, but in this case instead of finding the neighbor in need on some street corner, we’re asked to welcome that person as they approach us… And notice that Lord’s visit to Abraham was in the form of three travelers just passing by, never asking for help. Abraham’s response should spur us to respond in the same way. Like the example of the Good Samaritan from last weekend, we’re simply called to take care of the neighbor or the stranger passing by!
And again, who is our neighbor or that stranger passing by? It is the one who falls victim to sudden or even prolonged loneliness, poverty, illness, violence, misunderstandings, or the lack of acceptance; or maybe has become accosted by the confusing messages of the world around us, or has gone down a path that is totally opposite to the one we would prefer; or maybe still, it’s a woman challenged by an unplanned pregnancy or the addict who doesn’t know what they are going to do next.
In any case, we’re called to welcome these strangers and treat them with mercy, like the Good Samaritan, and serve them like Abraham! Care for them, cook for them and give them shade to relax and water to wash off and refresh. This approach is going to take some extra time and commitment, but it’s worth it and it’s crucial!
Because in today’s readings, it’s the Lord himself that is the stranger welcomed by Abraham. In the Gospel, it is Jesus who sits at the table of Martha and Mary.
Now I think I’ll choose to stay away from the Martha vs. Mary debate, because Abraham certainly goes to a lot of trouble and is rewarded with descendants as numerous as the stars, and Mary sits and simply listens to the Lord and is lifted up as making the right choice!
So let’s settle on the example that we should continue to care for the most vulnerable and needy of our neighbors because they need us and quite frankly they could be the Lord himself visiting… Remember the Great Litmus for the Judgement of God’s People: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, and I was thirsty and you gave me drink; naked and you clothed me. What you’ve done for the least of my brothers and sisters, you’ve done for me!” (cf. Matthew 25)
The reward…
YOU SHALL LIVE AND BRING LIFE TO THOSE AROUND YOU FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!
YOU SHALL SERVE, AND ULTIMATELY CARE FOR THE LORD HIMSELF!
YOU SHALL LISTEN, AND RECEIVE THE BETTER PART, AND IT SHALL NOT BE TAKE FROM YOU!
I’ll close with the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis:
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
So this week, let’s LIVE, SERVE & LISTEN!
I’m just not a very complex person. I’ve tried my whole life to simplify things down to the lowest common denominator, so today seems to call us to be ready to receive and serve the Lord in a visitor, or a neighbor in need, and be ready for the rewards!
In today’s first reading God pays a visit to Abraham in the form of three visitors. Unaware that it was the Lord, Abraham eagerly welcomed three, saying, "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." It’s important to note that at the time, the cultural rule and norm was that one would ALWAYS care for widows, orphans and strangers. Yes… This was an understood obligation because in that patriarchal society, losing one’s husband meant losing and source of income. Losing one’s parents obviously did not bode well for any child or set of siblings attempting to live on their own. And finally, instead of chastising a stranger for “not being from around here,” one was called to welcome them, helping them get on their feet.
I would contend that for the most part, our hearts are still moved to care for those who have lost something significant, like a spouse or parents, but welcoming strangers? I’m not sure I see that too often… There seems to be a lot of suspicion or worry involved with such a move, so it follows last week’s challenge very well: Who is my neighbor and how shall I care for them, but in this case instead of finding the neighbor in need on some street corner, we’re asked to welcome that person as they approach us… And notice that Lord’s visit to Abraham was in the form of three travelers just passing by, never asking for help. Abraham’s response should spur us to respond in the same way. Like the example of the Good Samaritan from last weekend, we’re simply called to take care of the neighbor or the stranger passing by!
And again, who is our neighbor or that stranger passing by? It is the one who falls victim to sudden or even prolonged loneliness, poverty, illness, violence, misunderstandings, or the lack of acceptance; or maybe has become accosted by the confusing messages of the world around us, or has gone down a path that is totally opposite to the one we would prefer; or maybe still, it’s a woman challenged by an unplanned pregnancy or the addict who doesn’t know what they are going to do next.
In any case, we’re called to welcome these strangers and treat them with mercy, like the Good Samaritan, and serve them like Abraham! Care for them, cook for them and give them shade to relax and water to wash off and refresh. This approach is going to take some extra time and commitment, but it’s worth it and it’s crucial!
Because in today’s readings, it’s the Lord himself that is the stranger welcomed by Abraham. In the Gospel, it is Jesus who sits at the table of Martha and Mary.
Now I think I’ll choose to stay away from the Martha vs. Mary debate, because Abraham certainly goes to a lot of trouble and is rewarded with descendants as numerous as the stars, and Mary sits and simply listens to the Lord and is lifted up as making the right choice!
So let’s settle on the example that we should continue to care for the most vulnerable and needy of our neighbors because they need us and quite frankly they could be the Lord himself visiting… Remember the Great Litmus for the Judgement of God’s People: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, and I was thirsty and you gave me drink; naked and you clothed me. What you’ve done for the least of my brothers and sisters, you’ve done for me!” (cf. Matthew 25)
The reward…
YOU SHALL LIVE AND BRING LIFE TO THOSE AROUND YOU FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!
YOU SHALL SERVE, AND ULTIMATELY CARE FOR THE LORD HIMSELF!
YOU SHALL LISTEN, AND RECEIVE THE BETTER PART, AND IT SHALL NOT BE TAKE FROM YOU!
I’ll close with the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis:
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
So this week, let’s LIVE, SERVE & LISTEN!
Awesome and inspiring as always! Thank you!!
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