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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

July 20, 2025

Fr. John Colacino C.PP.S.

Introit

Collect

Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading Gen 18:1-10a

The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. 3 He said, “My lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on— since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. 9 They said to Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.”

Responsorial Psalm. Ps 15:2-3,3-4,5

R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Second Reading Col 1:24-28

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 25 I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 It is Christ whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Alleluia Cf. Lk 8:15

Gospel Lk 10:38-42

Now as Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Catena Nova

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Our Lord’s words teach us that though we labour among the many distractions of this world, we should have but one goal. For we are but travelers on a journey without as yet a fixed abode; we are on our way, not yet in our native land; we are in a state of longing, not yet of enjoyment. But let us continue on our way and continue without sloth or respite, so that we may ultimately arrive at our destination. (St Augustine of Hippo)

Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters. (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

Do not be disconsolate when obedience leads you to be concerned with external, worldly matters; understand that, if your task is in the kitchen, the Lord walks among the pots and pans, helping you in all things spiritual and temporal. (St. Teresa of Avila)

Surely, no-one, who is candid, can doubt, that, were Mary now living, did she choose on principle that state of life in which Christ found her, were she content to remain at Jesus’ feet hearing His word and disengaged from this troublesome world, she would be blamed and pitied. Careless men would gaze strangely and wise men compassionately, on such an one, as wasting her life and choosing a melancholy, cheerless portion. Long ago was this the case. Even in holy Martha, zealous as she was and true-hearted, even in her instance, we are reminded of the impatience and disdain with which those who are far different from her, the children of this world, regard such as dedicate themselves to God. Long ago, even in her, we seem to witness, as in type, the rash, unchristian way in which this age disparages devotional services. (St. John Henry Newman)

One’s first duty is adoration, and one’s second duty is awe and only one’s third duty is service. And that for those three things and nothing else, addressed to God and no one else, you and I and all other countless human creatures evolved upon the surface of this planet were created. We observe then that two of the three things for which our souls were made are matters of attitude, of relation: adoration and awe. Unless these two are right, the last of the triad, service, won’t be right. Unless the whole of your...life is a movement of praise and adoration, unless it is instinct with awe, the work which the life produces won’t be much good. (Evelyn Underhill)

To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is itself to succumb to the violence of our times. (Thomas Merton)

If we hadn't got Christ's own words for it, it would seem raving lunacy to believe that if I offer a bed and food and hospitality to some man or woman or child, I am replaying the part of Lazarus or Martha or Mary, and that my guest is Christ. There is nothing to show it, perhaps. There are no halos already glowing round their heads--at least none that human eyes can see. ... It would be foolish to pretend that it is always easy to remember this. If everyone were holy and handsome, with “alter Christus" shining in neon lighting from them, it would be easy to see Christ in everyone. It is a good thing to ask honestly what you would do, or have done, when a beggar asked at your house for food. Would you--or did you--give it on an old cracked plate, thinking that was good enough? Do you think that Martha and Mary thought that the old and chipped dish was good enough for their guest? (Dorothy Day)

Homily

The Italian city of Albano has been in a tizzy these days. A treasured tradition has been restored by Pope Leo XIV who has decided once again to vacation in Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the pope since 1596. Leo is spending two weeks there in July and a few days in August. Pope Francis did not vacation there and turned the place into a museum open to the public. That will remain while Leo resides in another property on the grounds. Of course, the time away from the oppressive heat of Rome will include some duties and not be entirely time off. Still, before his departure, he noted, "I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy some vacation time in order to restore both body and spirit."

Today's gospel of Martha and Mary provides a nice backdrop for such a time of leisure. I for one enjoyed some family time for the Fourth of July, had visitors from Toronto this past week, and saw the Superman movie with some cousins on Friday.

Which reminds me of what someone — perhaps the Dalai Lama — once said, "We are human beings, not human doings." And despite Americans' reputation for working too much and resting too little, the U.S. Bureau of Labor, in its annual American Use of Time Survey issued last month, found we spend on average 5 hours a day on some form of leisure activity. How you ask? No surprise there — mostly on watching TV followed by forms of socializing and communicating, along with playing games and computer use. And as for work, well, that average came in at just under 8 hours a day. While religious and spiritual activities came in at an average of 1.57 hours per day — slightly higher for men than women! (cf. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.t01.htm). Mary of Bethany would, I think, be pleased.

It even appears Mary is suddenly on the rise in our culture after a long time when Martha held sway, when how “busy” you were was a sure sign of how important and successful you were — all the while complaining how frazzled and fatigued you felt! So all of a sudden it seems we're more about "being" and less "doing."

Now by and large, I welcome this apparent change in priorities. I remember when I was newly-ordained, if I sat down for five minutes, I felt guilty. I had to be doing something all the time. And living with a workaholic didn’t help matters. Thank God, there came a point when I realized how crazy that was, and I tackled my priorities. I stopped feeling compelled to put in a 60-hour week, or guilty about taking a walk, going out to dinner, or having friends I spend time with. I fell into the trap of thinking my “work was my prayer” — that time set aside for prayer, even the Liturgy of the Hours, was time stolen from the ministry. It’s what spiritual writers used to call “the heresy of works.” The thought that what we do is more important that who we are. That God “needs” us more than we need God.

I also remember a dear friend of mine known for her many forms of service and hospitality as a wife, mother, grandmother and sister, always attending to those in her family whom she loved so much, and who loved her in return. All the things that made those strangers' visit to Abraham and Sarah so memorable. But when planning her funeral homily, after she made the decision to cease treatment for the cancer that would take her life, she told me the thing she always wanted to be, but which always eluded her, was to be a Mary more than a Martha -- a “wannabe Mary,” as she put it. She told me how, in her final days, she wanted to retreat to her beautiful home she loved so much, hoping it would be a refuge where Martha could evolve into Mary. And so, I believe, she did.

We Rochesterians are likely to know a product called “Monk’s Bread.” It’s baked at the Abbey of the Genesee where Cistercian monks live a balanced round of work and prayer following St. Benedict’s motto: Ora et labora [“Pray and work”]. We celebrated his feast day earlier this month. Collen Carroll Campbell once wrote in America magazine how Benedict “learned from experience that pushing yourself and others too hard can be a road to spiritual ruin. There is a fine line between work that glorifies God and work that merely glorifies yourself. Benedict saw our willingness to set aside our work when work time is over or a more pressing need arises as a good indicator of whether or not we have crossed that line.” It's what Paul made sure he was doing as a minister in accordance with the stewardship given to him : proclaiming Christ and not himself. (cf. II).

The liturgy reminds us of the same thing each Sunday as we sit at the Master’s feet in this Eucharist, imbibing wisdom from the One who offers us the better part which will never be taken from us. When we pause to celebrate, in song, ritual and silence the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past, [b]ut now . . . manifested to [God’s] holy ones. . . . admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ (II). Who lives and reigns, forever and ever. Amen.

Intercessions (cf. Joe Milner; The Sunday Website)

For the Church: that our deeds of hospitality and service may reveal for us a glimpse of the face of God.

For all who are busy about work and progress: that God will free us from overworking, help us find the life-giving balance, and recognize the relationships which bring us life.

For all who live a life of service, particularly those who care for the sick, assist travelers, or serve in public safety: that they may offer their service joyfully and be renewed by God’s love.

For immigrants and refugees: that God will protect them from harm, guide them through the bureaucratic procedures and lead them to a new home where they can share their talents.

For a greater spirit of stewardship: that the Spirit will guide us in sharing our time, talents, and resources in support of the church and the forgotten of our society.

For all who are traveling during these summer weeks: that God will protect them, renew, and restore them through this time away and strengthen their bonds with their loved ones.

For all who are ill: that God’s healing spirit will bring them through their illness and restore them to wholeness.

For peace: that God will turn hearts from violence in our cities and families, open new opportunities for dialogue, and protect innocent people from attacks and errant gunfire.

Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (ICEL; 1998)

Offertory Antiphon

Offertory Hymn

In midst of burning desert heat Three strangers came along the way Where Abraham and Sarah stayed;

He saw them, and begged them to stay In hospitality he sought

To care for each and ev’ry need; In answer came the promise sweet, “Your wife will bear a son indeed.”

In much the same way, Jesus came To Martha and Mary’s place; While Mary sat and heard the Lord,

All awed by such amazing grace, Her sister called, rebuking her, And scolded Christ for lack of care.

But Jesus said, “What Mary chose Alone is needful and most fair.”

In giving hospitality, We serve our God in neighbor’s guise; The trouble others seem to be

Will oft be Christ, to our surprise; And yet, the one thing needful is

The mystery of Christ in all, Our hope of glory. Here we sit And hear our Master’s loving call.

Communion Antiphon

Closing Hymn (Elizabeth Payson Prentiss)

More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee!
Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
now thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper thy praise;
this be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
this still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

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