8 October 2024
Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Galatians 1:13-24
Luke 10:38-42
Listen and Act

In the detailed account of his call and conversion, Paul emphasises that his calling was not a human job. He had spent years aggressively persecuting the Church because he had a more advanced study on Judaism than his peers. This all changed when Jesus chose to reveal himself to him and instructed him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Without seeking advice from anyone, Paul commenced his mission. Only after three years did he go to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James. He continued his mission to the Gentiles, and in Judea, he was known as “the one who now preached the faith he had once tried to destroy.”

In today’s Gospel, we encounter two fundamental elements of the Christian faith: contemplation and action, as illustrated through the narrative of Mary and Martha. Paul embodied both of these elements. His fervent contemplation connected him with the Lord and the various communities where he spread the gospel’s message. His extensive travels and establishment of multiple communities reflected his active lifestyle. Paul provides us with an ideal illustration of how to maintain a balance between the mindsets of Mary and Martha within our church lives.

The Gospel stresses the importance of listening to the Word of God before getting caught up in missionary activities. The story of Martha and her family in Bethany represents the Christian community of brothers and sisters. There is no mention about parents, spouses or children. The family in Bethany as a representation of the Christian community of brothers and sisters. In this family, all are brothers and sisters of the one Father. When we don’t let the Word of God guide our actions, it can lead to anxiety and confusion, as seen in Martha’s experience.

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024