It is not until the 12th chapter of Genesis that we are able to place a date when God called Abram to go to Canaan. It was about 1850 B.C. At that time Abram was 75 years old. God made him three promises of blessings which later became "covenants." They were the following:
1. A Nation - Made a covenant in Genesis 15 and fulfilled in Moses
2. A Name - A kingdom/dynasty which was made a covenant in
Genesis 17 fulfilled in David
3. A Wordwide Blessing - Made a covenant in Genesis 22 and
fulfilled in Jesus Christ
For today's first Reading, Abraham had his name changed which now means "Father of many nations" and was 99 years old, also, along with all male members of his household have just been circumcised. He was near a terebinth (a small tree that yields resinous liquid , also called a turpentine tree) when three strangers came. He offered food and comfort to the strangers and was assured a son by the same time the next year. Sarai who was within hearing, laughed because she was advanced in years. So, the stranger said that the boy would be named "Isaac" which means laughter.
The Second Reading tells of Paul's role in proclaiming the Gospel. The phrase, "filling up what is lacking in Christ" does not mean that Jesus Christ's work was insufficient. It meant that Paul as an apostle is to complete the preaching of the Gospel by bringing the Good News to places where Christ was never preached. In being an apostle for Christ, Paul explains that suffering is entailed but the suffering is one that purifies and focuses all the more on working head-on for Jesus. He said, "Persecution is "reward" for discipleship.
The Gospel today relates of Jesus being in Bethany where Martha busily prepares food for Him while Mary sits by His feet listening intently to His words. The Gospel shows Jesus acting contrary to the accepted cultural norm of the day in three ways:
1. He is alone with women who are not His relatives
2. He is being served by a woman
3. He is teaching a woman in her own house
In ancient Israel, women were second-class citizens. They amounted to servers, practically subservient to men and are not meant to be seen with men. By being with women, Jesus elevated the status of women, making it known that women deserve recognition and respect.
Todays's Readings and Gospel clearly points out the virtue of "Hospitality."
This is the basic theme which we as followers of Jesus should try to develop in our lives. Sharing is a mark of a child of God!
Another point brought out today is the value of both Active and Contemplative Prayer Life. Christianity needs both Marthas and Marys in our desire to bring Jesus known in this world. Also, the Gospel gives us a lesson in prayer. Martha approaches Jesus with a problem and the solution she wants. Our Blessed Mother at the wedding feast at Cana points out the problem to Jesus and left it up to Him to work out the solution. Do we
"dictate" to Jesus the solution to our problem which He is to do? Or do we lift up our problem to Him and leaves it up to Him to provide the solution in His time and in the form/way He sees fit for us?
By the way, let us remember the acronym - A C T S when we pray.
1. A Nation - Made a covenant in Genesis 15 and fulfilled in Moses
2. A Name - A kingdom/dynasty which was made a covenant in
Genesis 17 fulfilled in David
3. A Wordwide Blessing - Made a covenant in Genesis 22 and
fulfilled in Jesus Christ
For today's first Reading, Abraham had his name changed which now means "Father of many nations" and was 99 years old, also, along with all male members of his household have just been circumcised. He was near a terebinth (a small tree that yields resinous liquid , also called a turpentine tree) when three strangers came. He offered food and comfort to the strangers and was assured a son by the same time the next year. Sarai who was within hearing, laughed because she was advanced in years. So, the stranger said that the boy would be named "Isaac" which means laughter.
The Second Reading tells of Paul's role in proclaiming the Gospel. The phrase, "filling up what is lacking in Christ" does not mean that Jesus Christ's work was insufficient. It meant that Paul as an apostle is to complete the preaching of the Gospel by bringing the Good News to places where Christ was never preached. In being an apostle for Christ, Paul explains that suffering is entailed but the suffering is one that purifies and focuses all the more on working head-on for Jesus. He said, "Persecution is "reward" for discipleship.
The Gospel today relates of Jesus being in Bethany where Martha busily prepares food for Him while Mary sits by His feet listening intently to His words. The Gospel shows Jesus acting contrary to the accepted cultural norm of the day in three ways:
1. He is alone with women who are not His relatives
2. He is being served by a woman
3. He is teaching a woman in her own house
In ancient Israel, women were second-class citizens. They amounted to servers, practically subservient to men and are not meant to be seen with men. By being with women, Jesus elevated the status of women, making it known that women deserve recognition and respect.
Todays's Readings and Gospel clearly points out the virtue of "Hospitality."
This is the basic theme which we as followers of Jesus should try to develop in our lives. Sharing is a mark of a child of God!
Another point brought out today is the value of both Active and Contemplative Prayer Life. Christianity needs both Marthas and Marys in our desire to bring Jesus known in this world. Also, the Gospel gives us a lesson in prayer. Martha approaches Jesus with a problem and the solution she wants. Our Blessed Mother at the wedding feast at Cana points out the problem to Jesus and left it up to Him to work out the solution. Do we
"dictate" to Jesus the solution to our problem which He is to do? Or do we lift up our problem to Him and leaves it up to Him to provide the solution in His time and in the form/way He sees fit for us?
By the way, let us remember the acronym - A C T S when we pray.
First, we offer our Adoration and praise to God. A litany of praise on the attributes of God would be wonderful:
Jesus, King of Kings, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, Lord of Lords, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, The Way,The Truth and The Life, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, The Resurrection and The Life, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, Our Divine Healer, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, My Strength, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, My Patience, Praise you, Jesus
Second, we declare our Contrition for our sins
Third, we offer our Thanks for all God's Blessings upon us and our family
Fourth, we state our needs in all forms/ways - Supplication.
Jesus, King of Kings, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, Lord of Lords, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, The Way,The Truth and The Life, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, The Resurrection and The Life, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, Our Divine Healer, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, My Strength, Praise you, Jesus!
Jesus, My Patience, Praise you, Jesus
Second, we declare our Contrition for our sins
Third, we offer our Thanks for all God's Blessings upon us and our family
Fourth, we state our needs in all forms/ways - Supplication.
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