"  All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light  of a single candle.  "

                                                                                                                                 ~~~  ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI  ~~~

St. Francis of Assisi,  religious

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊ 

Galatians 1:13-24

You have heard of my previous activity

In the Jewish community; I furiously persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it. For I was more devoted to the Jewish religion than many fellow Jews of my age, and I defended the tra­ditions of my ancestors more fanatically.

 But one day God called me out of his great love, he who had chosen me from my mother’s womb; and he was pleased to reveal in me his Son, that I might make him known among the pagan nations.

Then I did not seek human advicenor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. I immediately went to Arabia, and from there I returned again to Damascus. Later, after three years, I went up to Je­ru­salem to meet Cephas, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.

But I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord’s brother. On writing this to you, I affirm before God that I am not lying.

 After that I went to Syria and Cilicia. The churches of Christ in Judea did not know me personally; they had only heard of me: “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he tried to uproot.” And they praised God because of me.

 

Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Guide me, Lord along the everlasting way.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊  

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he entered a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the Lord’s feet to listen to his words. Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving and finally she said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving?”

But the Lord answered, “Mar­tha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

 Gospel Reflection：

Doing Mary While Being Martha

Martha has suffered much bad press due to the words of Jesus to her. Jesus wasn’t necessarily downgrading Martha. After all, he was so fond of the family of Lazarus and his sisters that it is this family he would choose to visit to spend few restful moments before his passion commenced.

Every one of them was dear to him. Nor was Jesus downplaying the importance of the work Martha was doing after all, someone should take care of hospitality as well. Jesus only diagnosed the worry and anxiety she suffered while engaged in work.

What Mary has achieved was the constancy and calmness of mind that helped her focus on the present. If only Martha could continue to work but with a mind and heart at rest! Only we could also do the same as we go through the daily chores and ministries! (See the reflection on July 29.)