Word Wide Open: The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) - 7/17/22

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a)

A reading from the Book of Genesis.

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. 

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, he said:

"Sir, if I may ask you this favor,

please do not go on past your servant. 

Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet,

and then rest yourselves under the tree. 

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."

Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah,

"Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls." 

He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer,

and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. 

Then Abraham got some curds and milk,

as well as the steer that had been prepared,

and set these before the three men;

and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.

They asked Abraham, "Where is your wife Sarah?"

He replied, "There in the tent." 

One of them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year,

and Sarah will then have a son."

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What does it mean to be a servant of God? 

Second Reading (Colossians 1:24-28)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians.

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,

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,

the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.

But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,

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. 

It is he whom we proclaim,

admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,

that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? Is there anything lacking in the afflictions of Christ? How do we achieve perfection?

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

Jesus entered a village 

where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.

She had a sister named Mary

who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 

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." 

The Lord said to her in reply,

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 

There is need of only one thing. 

Mary has chosen the better part

and it will not be taken from her."

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Why has Mary chosen the better part? Why is it so easy to allow anxiety consume our lives? How can we grow in trust that the Lord will provide for us?