Today's Scripture can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Being welcomed to someone's home is a wonderful experience. Warm, gracious welcomes show a sense of care and respect for another while affirming the person who extends the welcome.
God's Word today shows us the significance of welcoming others and helping them feel "at home".
We see Abraham graciously welcoming the strangers (Genesis) and we see Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus and his friends (Luke)
Both stories can actually be amusing as they relate to everyday life.
While Abraham welcomes the strangers, he asks his wife Sarah to do the work! And while some preachers may talk about the importance of prayer in the figure of Mary, I do wonder how Jesus and that group of traveling companions would have felt without a good meal!
I do like the image of Mary, though, as a reminder that says "Women do not have to stay in the kitchen". Jesus shows us that roles can be shared, and that God does not hold people in roles.
So, this week one thing that God's Word shows is that God welcomes us; God wants to be "at home" with us. And then God's Word challenges us to welcome others.
God's Word can also encourage us not to limit ourselves to expected roles, and even to help out in the kitchen! We may not often think of something as mundane as being in the kitchen as an expression of God's Presence, but I do think that the Good News this week reminds us that everyday life can take on new meaning!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment