Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 20 July 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 20 July 2025
First Reading: Genesis 18: 1-10a
He said, “If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” (3-5)
When Abraham is visited by the Holy Trinity God; “…do not pass your servant by.” says he! (v.3) He venerates them in the washing of their feet, makes an offering from his livestock with nothing but the best; then adores and respects them to “go their way”. Being the Lord of All who knows all – when to arrive, stay, or move on; wouldn’t God be visiting this way?
God came and tasted human life for 33 years on this earth. He left us a permanent part of himself in the Holy Eucharist. He lives in us every time we receive him worthily! When we see him reside in our very being, do we follow the Abrahamic hospitality? What is our response? I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. (Ps. 54:6) When is the last time we thanked the Lord who has blessed us so abundantly? What keeps us busy, – prepping an offering to God, or working for our own gratification? How do we display our veneration of the Lord in our lives, as leaders of our families, groups, or organisations? What are the ways our families or teams, can be directed to emulate Abraham’s example?
We ask Father Abraham to interceded for us today. We thank the Lord for everything! In Jesus’ name, Amen, Alleluia!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 15: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5
(Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?) v.1
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart. (2)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 24-28
The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (26-27)
In Christ’s revelation we have been saved. Therefore, we rejoice in the Lord Always and in all circumstances. (Phil 4:4) Because we know what was meant for harm, the Lord turns into good. (Gen 50:20)
Hence, we rejoice and again we will sing the Lord’s song, even in strange lands. (Ps. 137)
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: Luke 8: 15
Alleluia, Alleluia!
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 10: 38-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (41-42)
The Lord says to us today, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” In preparing and remaining hospitable to those around us, let us not be distracted. Martha did the virtuous deed of opening her home to the Lord but got distracted; like we all do, from time to time! Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to his every word, like Father Abraham who stood near the Lord. (Gen 18:8) Both of these holy sisters followed the Abrahamic hospitality but only partly! Like Mary we are to listen to the Lord’s Word FIRST and then go out and do HIS will!
We ask Sts. Martha and Mary to intercede for us to not be worried and upset about things and to make the choice to Listen for our Shepherd’s voice, in Jesus’ name Amen!
Alleluia, Amen!
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