Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
Genesis 18:1-10a
Ps. 15
Colossians 1: 24-28
Luke 10: 38-42

The Scriptures for this Sunday connect on the theme of hospitality and being open to God’s word. The First Reading is taken from Genesis, and tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and their three visitors. Acting in good desert-host style, Abraham invites the guests into the shade, and offers them rest and refreshment. One of the strangers, in return, announces the totally unexpected gift of the conception of Isaac. The Gospel presents the story of Jesus being given hospitality by Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, His friends of Bethany. In last week’s Gospel, we heard about the necessity of “doing;” today’s Gospel tells us that “doing” must be balanced with hearing the Word of God. St. Augustine remarks on the story: “Martha, who was arranging and preparing the Lord’s meal, was busy doing many things, whereas Mary preferred to find her meal in what the Lord was saying. In a way she deserted her sister, who was very busy, and sat herself down at Jesus’ feet and just listened to His words. She was faithfully observing what the Psalm (46:10) said, “Be still and know that I am God.” Martha was getting annoyed, Mary was feasting; the former coping with many things, the latter concentrating on one. Both occupations were good.” Sermo 103

The Second Reading continues our hearing of the Letter to the Colossians. Today, Paul explains that his preaching is centered on a mystery—one that was formerly hidden, but now revealed: the mystery of “Christ in you—your hope of glory!” By participation in this paschal mystery, we strive for growth, so as to become “complete in Christ.”

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures: [MYL, #16, Christ in All, P. Nicholson]
In midst of burning desert heat
Three strangers came along the way
Where Abraham and Sarah stayed;
They saw them, and begged them to stay.
In hospitality they sought
To care for each and ev'ry need.
In answer came the promise sweet,
"Your wife will bear a son indeed."

In much the same way, Jesus came
To Martha and to Mary's place;
While Mary sat and heard the Lord,
All awed by such amazing grace,
Her sister called, rebuking her
And scolded Christ for lack of care.
But Jesus said "What Mary chose
Alone is needful and most fair."

In giving hospitality,
We serve our God in neighbor's guise;
The trouble others seem to be
Will oft be Christ, to our surprise;
And yet the one thing needful is
The mystery of Christ in all,
Our hope of glory; here we sit
And heed our Master's loving call.

88.88.D
no suggested tune

Propers from the Roman Gradual

Introit: Ecce Deus (Ps. 54:4-5)
Behold, God is my helper; it is the Lord who is the lifter up of my soul.
O render evil to those who spy on me, and in your faithfulness
destroy them all, O Lord, my God and protector.
Save me by your Name, O God; in your might defend my cause.
Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

Offertory: Justitiae Domini (Ps. 19: 8a,10b,11)
The statutes of the lord are just and rejoice the heart;
sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb;
moreover, your servant diligently keeps them.

Communion: Acceptabis (Ps. 51:20)
You will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,
with burnt offerings and oblations, which shall be placed
on your altar, O Lord.

Propers from the Simple Gradual

The suite of antiphons and psalms from Ordinary Time III (BFW 239–247) —
petitioning God for assistance — is especially appropriate.

Entrance: BFW 244 (God is my helper; the Lord upholds my life)
Response: BFW 120 (In green pastures the Lord gives me rest)
Offertory: BFW 489 (I will thank the Lord with all my heart)
Communion: BFW 492 (Ask and you will receive . . .)