Welcoming the Lord 

The readings today invite us to think about hospitality and welcome.  This is especially fitting as we prepare for the next phase of the diocesan Synod, because one of the action points is to ensure that all parishes exercise a good “ministry of welcome.”  In particular, we are looking for new stewards to greet people and assist them at mass, especially newcomers or people with particular needs.  

However, the readings also encourage us to think about how we welcome the Lord into our lives and into our parish community.  Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”  He doesn’t force himself upon us but waits for us to invite him in.

In the first reading, Abraham meets three unknown men in strange circumstances.  His faith and goodness compel him to offer them hospitality.  He even begs to be allowed to feed them and tend to them.  The angelic visitors have in fact been sent by God and they tell Abraham that his wife Sarah will be blessed with a child in the next year.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus visits two sisters who both, in their way, exercise hospitality and welcome.  However, Martha has become “distracted with all the serving” whilst Mary “sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking.”

I am very grateful to the parish for marking the tenth anniversary of my ordination so generously.  I have to confess that I found it hard to respond to the Lord’s invitation to be a priest, but ten years on, still find that I am grateful on a daily basis.  I feel that I have been blessed like Abraham and Sarah and can only give thanks.  

God bless, Fr Kevin.