Bible Reflections I 17.07.2022 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 16

Readings 

           I - Gen. 18: 10

          II - Col. 1: 24-28

          II - Lk. 10: 38-42 

                           

SERVE THE LORD IN GLADNESS

Service is the unique expression of a supreme love. The nobility of this service is that it counts no cost but is concerned about the benefit of the other. The service can be in any form tailoring to the needs of one to whom it is rendered. The streamline of all three readings today is ‘service’. In the first reading Abram identifies the holy men in the three persons and runs to offer them rest and refreshment before they could proceed from him. In the second reading it is evident that St. Paul was willing to suffer any amount on account of his service in proclaiming Christ so that he might present everyone mature in Christ. In the Gospel reading two women serve Jesus with two different services. Martha prepares meal and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to him. Martha was preoccupied with the thought that Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus without rendering her a helping hand. Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion” because she was acute in listening without any other preoccupation. Had Martha not complained about Mary, Jesus might have said, “Martha too has chosen the good portion”.

Service demands an undivided attention for its fruitfulness befitting the capacity and the caliber of the person who renders. God does not ask us to do anything beyond our strength but within our reach and all in love like Abram, Sarah, St. Paul and Mary. No comparison and compromises but a whole hearted service all in love is what God desires and that is the best portion. Let us do all we can with love and care. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your love”.