Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Jon 3:1-10; Lk 10:38-42
Today’s gospel contains Jesus’ instruction on hospitality.
The gospel passage has often been misinterpreted as Jesus preferring Mary over Martha.
However, American ethicist James Keenan offers a corrective. Referring to both Martha and Mary, he writes, ‘Since they both invited Jesus, both should be hospitable, but only one lets him feel that he is a guest. Jesus’ admonition is strong; he wants Martha to see the worthiness of her original intention.’
In other words, Jesus wants Martha to understand her role as a host. If being a host means attending to the guest, Martha does not fulfill her role dutifully. Hence, Jesus feels ignored. In ignoring Jesus, Martha lets Jesus feel that she misses out on the pleasure of being a host and of enjoying her guest.
Jesus requires hospitality, especially as he makes himself present in us through the Eucharist.
How dutiful am we as hosts? Do we honor Jesus or ignore him?
How can we find meaning as hosts while enjoying Jesus, our guest?
Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar
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I realised the importance of Eucharist in my life. Thank you for reflection.