16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word:
We are called to be laborers in God’s Kingdom to produce abundant harvest.
Theme: We produce abundant harvest when we live and testify to the Word of God.
Promise: “The one who walks blamelessly and does justice, who thinks the truth in his heart …shall never be disturbed.” (Ps 15: 2, 5b)
Reflection:
In the Second Reading, St. Paul describes himself as a servant of the Church. By divine calling, he was given the responsibility of delivering God’s message. His task is not only to exhort people to lead a good life, but to offer them a vision of a life renewed in Christ. We too are reminded of the same calling through our community word this month: We are called to be laborers in God’s kingdom to produce an abundant harvest.All of the gospels affirm that discipleship involves loving action for the good of others. As laborers in the kingdom of God we must not be distracted from being with Jesus and listening to Him.
In the gospel of Luke, when Martha complains about Mary, Jesus’ response is: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and she shall not be deprived of it,” (Lk: 10:41-42). What is the “better part”? In many instances, Scriptures shows us that Jesus led a very active life, going out to be with people, preaching, healing the sick and so on. But He also spent long hours in prayer. Oftentimes, He deliberately left the crowds in order to reflect and commune with His Father. It is no surprise then that He praises Mary for having chosen the better part.
Martha was busy with many things. She opened her house and prepared for Jesus, yet her heart and mind were closed to Him. She was preoccupied with so many things that she forgot Jesus. On the other hand, Mary recognized the presence of Jesus by giving Him her undivided personal attention and listening to what He has to say. There is an interplay of heart and hand in this passage about Mary and Martha, a combination of prayers and deeds, of words and silence. The words from our lips must find expression through the works of our hands. As much as we need to work, we also need time alone with God in order to make not only our work, but also our life, meaningful and grace-filled.
Martha seemed to be the ideal host, busy preparing everything for the guest. But what made Mary the better host? She knew how to listen first. This is what Martha missed out on. Listening is focusing one’s attention on the other person. It is a gift given to one’s beloved. Jesus is not conveying a rebuke against Martha’s good intention. He just wants Martha to realize that as a host, her priority is to listen to Him before anything else. Listening is the first phase of love; as one listens, love grows even more. It is the pipeline through which real love flows and grows.
As laborers for the Lord, our service must be pure and humble. We should not expect to be noticed, appreciated or rewarded. We serve to be of help to others without seeking self-gratification. Jesus showed us how to serve through His example, and by following His ways we may encourage others to live as living witnesses of the gospel. This is the essence of our theme for this week: We produce an abundant harvest when we live and testify to the word of God. Living and testifying to the word of God means not only to being active in service, but giving equal importance to our prayer time and times of quiet reflection. Let us look to these quiet times alone with God to savor His presence. Remember His word in Scripture – “…be still, and know that I am God.” Wait on the Lord and His word in silence, for in that silence God’s voice may be revealed by a word or words of great power.
While we may have welcomed Jesus into our lives, are we really listening to Him before acting, or doing anything? Listen to Him, that you may choose the better part. God needs workers for His vineyard, and as we strive to do our share in helping produce an abundant harvest, let us be guided by this week’s promise: “The one who walks blamelessly and does justice, who thinks the truth in his heart, shall never be disturbed,” (Ps 15:2, 5b).
Prayer:
Lord of the harvest, I humbly come before You to offer my time, and whatever treasures and talents I have to you, to serve You with my heart and hands and follow You with utmost love humility and faithfulness, that I may live my life for You in prayer and in deed, for Your greater glory. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1.How do you welcome Jesus in your life? Have you chosen the better part?
2.How can you give a balanced quality time with God and withyour family?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
July 17, 2016 (Sun) Gen 18:1-10/Ps 15:2-3,3-4,5/Col 1;24-28/Lk 10:38-42
July 18, 2016 (Mon) Mi 6:1-4,6-8/Ps 50:5-6,8-9,16-17,21,23/Mt 12:38-42
July 19, 2016 (Tue) Mi 7:14-15,18-20/Ps 85:2-4,5-6,7-8/Mt 12:46-50
July 20, 2016 (Wed) Jer 1:1,4-10/Ps 71:1-2,3-4,5-6,15,17/Mt 13:1-9
July 21, 2016 (Thu) Jer 2:1-3,7-8,12-13/Ps 36:6-7,8-9,10-11/Mt 13:10-17
July 22, 2016 (Fri) Sg 3:1-4/Ps 63:2,3,4,5,6,8,9/Jn 20:1-2,11-18
July 23, 2016 (Sat) Jer 7:1-11/Ps 84:3,4,5-6,8,11/Mt 13:24-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
WSC Reflection 1 7July 2016 Final
