From the Deacon’s Desk 7/21/19

Dear Friends:

Our reading from Genesis 18:1-10a and the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42 give us some insight about slowing down and taking time out for rest and friendship. Genesis tells us the story of Abraham seeing three men standing near his tent. Abraham is a good man so he invites the three men to bathe, rest in the cool of the shade tree, and have something to eat. Abraham asks his wife Sarah to make some bread and has a servant prepare a choice calf to present to his visitors along with some milk. They ask Abraham “Where is your wife Sarah?” Abraham answers “There in the tent.” One of the men said to him “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” This is quite a feat as Sarah is an older woman and unable to bear children. A year later a son is born to them.

In the Gospel today, Jesus is visiting his friends Martha and Mary. Martha is your typical type “A” personality. She is concerned about getting the dinner on the table and making sure all the guests are cared for. Mary, however, is more concerned with sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his every word. Martha asked Jesus to scold Mary because she’s not helping her. Jesus says to Martha “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

I think the lesson we can gather from both of these readings is that we need to take time in our lives to rest, enjoy each other’s company and be present to what is happening right here and now. We need to take time to rest in the Lord and let him tell us what he would like us to be and how we are to be just that!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim