Genesis 18:1-10a recounts the story of Abraham’s encounter with three mysterious visitors, one of whom is revealed as the Lord. In this passage, Abraham exhibits extraordinary hospitality and respect towards the strangers, a virtue highly valued in both the ancient world and modern Roman Catholic theology.

In the Roman Catholic tradition, the virtue of hospitality is derived from the idea of welcoming Christ in the stranger, as mentioned in Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” Thus, Abraham’s hospitality towards the strangers can be seen as an exemplary model of Christian charity.

For contemporary Catholics, the application of this message is clear: we are called to practice hospitality and kindness towards others, especially those who are marginalized or in need. This can be expressed through various acts, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, or welcoming immigrants and refugees. By doing so, we not only follow in Abraham’s footsteps but also live out the Gospel message of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of maintaining faith in God’s promises. Despite his old age and the apparent impossibility of having a child with Sarah, Abraham trusts in God’s assurance that they will have a son. This trust mirrors the Catholic concept of faith, which the Catechism describes as “the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1814). Thus, Abraham serves as a model of unwavering faith and trust in God’s divine plan, an example that remains relevant for modern-day Catholics.

Clipart by Fr. Richard Lonsdale

Colossians 1:24-28 speaks of St. Paul’s understanding of his own role in Christ’s mission and emphasizes the importance of making Christ present in our lives. St. Paul asserts that he “makes up in his own sufferings what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of the Church” (Colossians 1:24), an idea rooted in Catholic theology.

The Church teaches that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation, but our participation in his sufferings through uniting our own with his can benefit the entire Church, including the souls in purgatory. St. Paul demonstrates a willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel, an attitude Catholics today are called to imitate.

St. Paul’s words also address the role of the Church and its members in bringing Christ to the world. He mentions “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), highlighting the indwelling presence of Christ within each believer. This presence is the hope and foundation of the Church, the Body of Christ, with each member having a unique role to play (Romans 12:4-5).

In today’s context, Catholics are called to live out this reality by actively participating in the mission of the Church to proclaim the gospel and bring Christ’s presence to the world. This can be done through various means, such as evangelization, acts of charity, and building strong communities that reflect Christ’s love. By doing so, Catholics can, like St. Paul, contribute to the growth and maturity of the Body of Christ.

Colossians 1:24-28 ultimately encourages Catholics to embrace their call to participate in Christ’s mission and make his presence visible in the world. Through the examples of St. Paul and the teachings of the Church, contemporary Catholics can be inspired to fulfill this call with faithfulness and perseverance.

Clipart by Fr. Richard Lonsdale

The Gospel passage of Luke 10:38-42 narrates the story of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary, where Martha busies herself with serving while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. This passage highlights the importance of balancing service and contemplation in the life of a disciple, a concept deeply rooted in Roman Catholic theology.

Catholic tradition emphasizes the value of both active service (expressed by Martha) and quiet contemplation (exemplified by Mary). The Church teaches that these two aspects are complementary and necessary for spiritual growth and genuine discipleship. As Pope Benedict XVI noted, “Martha and Mary are the two faces of love for God and neighbor: service to the point of self-sacrifice and contemplative love.” (General Audience, September 15, 2010)

In the modern-day context, Catholics are called to strike a balance between these two dimensions of faith. On one hand, we are called to serve others and engage actively in social and charitable work (Matthew 25:35-40). On the other hand, Catholics are also encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, reflection, and contemplation (Luke 6:12).

The story of Martha and Mary serves as a reminder that while our acts of service are essential, it is equally important to dedicate time for quiet prayer and listening to God. As we navigate the demands of contemporary life, let us embrace this holistic vision of discipleship, nurturing both our active and contemplative sides in the pursuit of true spiritual fulfillment.

Clipart by Fr. Richard Lonsdale