July 22, 2007
16th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Gen 18: 1-10a; Col 1: 24-28; Luke 10: 38-42
Dc. Larry Brockman
Not just one mystery! But three mysteries. That’s what we are treated to in the today’s scriptures. Â
 Paul says his mystery was hidden through the ages. But it is now revealed and is this: “Christ in you, the hope for Glory”. First “Christ in you”. Now Paul was talking to those who had accepted Christ- those Colossians who were Christians and were living as Christians. It was a mystery so close to them, yet it was not so obvious. But, to know and accept Christ means that you are listening to him, that you have heard his words, and they have meaning to you. If those words have meaning to you, then ever after you will act consistently with what you have been taught, with what you heard; just as you did when, as a child, you heard your parents and listened to them.Â
That takes a certain kind of listening; a wholehearted acceptance without questioning. So that it is second nature for your actions to reflect that acceptance and living out the word. All of us have much to do to be that familiar with the word so that it is second nature to us to act consistently. But, if you do that- then, and here is the second part of the mystery- the core of the mystery- Then there is hope for glory- your glory. And that’s what we are all after, to share in the Glory of Christ.  Â
A second mystery is how Sarah could bear a child after reaching the ripe old age of 90. Well, Abraham shows us the kind of attention to the word that Paul was talking about. Abraham had trained himself to listen for the voice of the Lord. And the first reading shows us an example of when this happened. What seemed like a simple act of hospitality to three visitors was really something else altogether. You see, Abraham somehow sensed that there was something special in the three visitors. One source indicates that the meal Abraham laid out for these men was extraordinary. In terms of the customs of that time, it was a grand feast fit for a king, not just a small meal. Plus, he ran to meet them in the sweltering mid-day desert heat. Abraham just knew; he was aware of when the Lord was speaking to him and that trust and acceptance resulted in God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah that a child would be born- Isaac. Many of you probably frowned when you hear Sarah chuckling in the background about what the visitors said. But, I’ll be that our seniors more than understand how she felt. Having a baby, especially after being barren up to the age of 90, that was ridiculous. Yet Abraham listened, and believed in the Lord’s word. This mystery is like the way God will work in our lives if we really listen and respond to His word. Because things that will happen that seem to be a miracle- like unexpected blessings- a job offer, a child, a healing; or seemingly impossible expectations, will be met- a turn of heart, an unexpected windfall. But, they are the blessings that God has in mind for us; not necessarily the ones we plan for.  Â
The third mystery is the problem of Martha and Mary. Last week, we heard the story of the Good Samaritan. We learned that we must always be open to meet the needs of our neighbors. “Love your neighbor as yourself”! Isn’t that what Martha was doing? The story implies that Martha was providing for a large group. That was what the women were supposed to do. Women were not supposed to sit at the feet of the teachers- they were supposed to be loving, serving, gracious hosts. And certainly, after the lesson of the Good Samaritan, isn’t that what Martha and Mary should both do? I just bet that most of the ladies out there are really puzzled by this one! You can really relate to Martha- just doing the right thing. So, why did Jesus rebuke Martha, even as mild as it was- another mystery? Jesus says “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things, there is need of only one thing”. Last weeks Gospel and this weeks Gospel are a pair. The greatest commandment is to love God, and then our neighbor as ourselves. Last week we heard about Loving our neighbor. This week we hear about Loving God. They were reversed, weren’t they? Because the right priority is this: love God; and then love your neighbor. That is what Mary was doing; Martha did not have that priority straight. And with other stories in the Scriptures, an exaggeration is used to make a point, this special point on getting priorities straight.  Â
For all of you, life, and what comes next, is ultimately a mystery. But the memory of this morning’s three mysteries can help. Listen to the Word of God by living it; trust that if you have your priority straight, God will shower you with blessings in wonderful ways;and then, expect to share in His Glory.Â