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16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10aBackground/ContextThe book of Genesis tells the story of the essential goodness of creation, the dramatic present-ation of human disobedience and the divine initiative in the call of Abraham. The chapter preceding the reading tells of God renewing his covenant with Abraham and promising him a son. Message/Meaning of the ReadingThe reading tells the story of Yahweh appearing to Abraham mediated by three men. The dramatic encounter of Abraham dozing in the noonday heat and the sudden appearance of the three journeying men is vividly described. Abraham then, frantically attends and prepares a meal for them. After their meal, they asked about Sarah and from nowhere, the promise of the reward/blessing, a son to be born the next year is announced. Abraham's frantic preparations for the three men echoes Mary's fervent attendance on Jesus' visit in the gospel. Sometimes, in our busy lives, we fail to recognize God in "ordinary encounters" with people. May we have Abraham's openness to these manifestations of God in the ordinary events of life. How to ProclaimThis is a narrative, so tell the story. Highlight the different emotions in the different scenes. Abraham's humble request for the visitors to stay, his hurried preparations for the visitors and the solemn promise of a son to Sarah. Word WatchTerebinth ter'-ə-binth Mamre mam'-rē Sarah sār'-ə knead 'nēd steer steer curds kûrds
Responsorial Psalm: HE WHO DOES JUSTICE WILL LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.The responsorial psalm refers to Abraham's justice.
Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28Background/ContextThe letter to the Colossians was written to bolster the faith of the community and to correct false teachings and errors aout the church in Colossae. Message/Meaning of the ReadingThe reading recalls Paul's hardships as an apostle of the Lord. He endures and even rejoices in the afflictions that he suffers in behalf of the church for the sake of the ministry that was entrusted to him by the Lord. He then states that the divine plan or mystery is that through Christ, truly present in each one of us, God calls all of us to his universal church. Through Christ, we hope for glory and attain perfection in the eyes of the Father. How to ProclaimThe first part of the reading should be read with exultant hope as Paul rejoices in his hardships for the gospel. The same tone should be maintained in the last paragraph with special emphasis on: it is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Word WatchColossians kə-läsh'-əns Stewardship 'stoo ('styoo)-ərd-ship
Gospel Luke 10:38-42"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." ReflectionsAmid our daily activities, do we find time to sit at the feet of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament? Are we open to "God's visits" through ordinary encounters with people?
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