Reflection on the Gospel – Sunday, July 13, 2025

Mary has chosen the better part.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace and all good.

In the middle of the European summer heat, we find Jesus and his friends entering a house to rest. Just like we do sometimes with our friends. We all need a break from time to time to recharge our batteries.

The angels who appeared to Abraham didn’t come to rest. Disguised, without showing who they were, they were welcomed by the Patriarch. Freely. Because true hospitality is always free. In the Old Testament, we are given two examples: Job and Abraham. About Job, it’s said that he built his house with four doors, one on each side, to make it easier for the poor to come in. Today, we remember how Abraham welcomed God (without knowing who his guests really were), as told in the first reading.

The reward he received for his hospitality was the promise of a child. What better gift for an elderly couple than a son? Once again, God can make possible what seems impossible to human eyes.

The second reading shows us Paul, already an older man. He had gone through many things while spreading the Gospel. And despite the suffering, he feels happy. Why? Because he gave his life for a cause that truly matters. With his suffering, Paul feels that he shares in the sufferings of Christ. He has done his work, he has announced to the non-believers the mystery hidden since the beginning of time. Now all he can do is wait for the end of his life, “advising and teaching everyone… so that all may become mature in Christ.”

This knowledge of Christ brings unity and transformation. It’s not just about collecting facts about Jesus. It’s about entering into a deep relationship with Him, sharing life and purpose. Here’s a short story to explain it:

Two men are talking:

– “So, you’ve become a Christian?”
– “Yes.”
– “Then you must know a lot about Him. Tell me, what country was He born in?”
– “I don’t know.”
– “How old was He when He died?”
– “I’m not sure.”
– “At least you’ll know how many sermons He gave?”
– “I have no idea.”
– “Wow… You know very little for someone who says he’s converted to Christ.”
– “You’re right. I’m embarrassed about how little I know. But I do know this: Three years ago, I was a drunk. I was drowning in debt. My family was falling apart. My wife and kids were afraid every time I came home. But now I’ve stopped drinking. We’re debt-free. Our home is happy. My children wait for me with joy every evening. This is what Christ has done for me. And this is what I know about Christ.”

We all need to be humble. That means accepting that the main character in our life must be God. A humble person doesn’t pray for God to do what they want, but to let God do His will in them. Only humble hearts can follow the Master, who is “gentle and humble of heart.”

And how do we know we’re really humble? By our commitment. People sometimes say we’re out of touch or wasting time when we pray. But nothing is more demanding than real prayer. From love for God must come love for God’s children. If we really connect with God, it should show in our life. Every prayer should be full of loving service—to God’s plans, and to others’ needs, like we talked about a few weeks ago. Anyone who prays has a big family to care for: the whole human race. Just like Jesus, who gave His life for everyone.

Another beautiful moment in the Gospel: Saint John tells us that “Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus.” In that order. And Martha surely knew that. So when she was overwhelmed preparing a meal for at least thirteen surprise guests (and all the cooks here know what that means!), she didn’t go to Mary. She went straight to Jesus and, like Saint Teresa, spoke up: “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me!” In other words: “Enough chatting, Lord! I’m drowning here trying to feed you all.”

And in that same family atmosphere comes Jesus’ answer: “Only one thing is necessary.” Some people understand this as if Jesus said, “Martha, I came to spend a few hours with you all, and you’ve hidden yourself in the kitchen. I can’t even see or hear you. Please, drop everything. I’m happy with something simple—just two fried eggs would do.”

Jesus told Martha that acts of kindness or hospitality should come after listening to the Word. Listening to God’s Word leads to actions full of love and generosity. Ordinary hospitality has its limits. But there is a deeper hospitality that comes from listening to God.

And Martha did learn the lesson. In the Gospel of John, when Lazarus dies, Martha goes out to meet Jesus outside the village. Their conversation is beautiful. Martha shows herself to be a great disciple who has truly understood who Jesus is. She is the first woman to say: “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who was to come into the world.”

So Jesus wants to warn us about something important: the danger of routine. We get so caught up in work, so busy with the endless tasks of daily life, that we forget why we do it all. We lose our direction and fall into the never-ending cycle of the same old chores. Especially at home.

We must stay awake. Getting to know ourselves takes time. But each morning, we must rise to meet Christ, to discover what He means for us. In the end, it seems Jesus was right in the Gospel: Mary chose the better part. And believe it or not, contemplative nuns have a lot to do in this world—starting with praying for those of us who don’t pray as much as we should. As Saint Benedict’s rule says: ora et labora—pray and work. That’s it.

Your brother in faith,
Alejandro, C.M.F