My dear brothers and sisters,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
Just this Wednesday (July 16), I had the privilege to attend the first anniversary of our brother priest Fr. Ferdinand at St. Charles Garnier in Kelowna which was the place I did my internship and ordination as deacon and priest. It was a moment of celebration and an expression of deep gratitude to God for the gift of priesthood and for the opportunity to serve.
Also, I saw some of the parishioners that I recognized even though they’ve changed. I am deeply grateful for their hospitality and generosity, particularly their thoughtfulness, the delicious meals and our enjoyable visits.
In our Gospel this weekend (Luke 10: 38-42), we reflect on the possibility of having Jesus as our guest and the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus over other works and tasks, even good ones. We read the story of Mary and Martha, and that while Martha was preoccupied with serving, she missed the opportunity to truly connect with Jesus. In contrast Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. Jesus commended Mary for choosing “the good portion” that would not be taken away from her. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but finding a balance between serving and sitting at Jesus’ feet. For instance, we may know a person who loves to cook and entertain, but also recognizes the importance of quiet time for reflection and spiritual growth.
Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, to find rest. Are we prioritizing time with Jesus over everything else? What are the things that distract us from Jesus? How can we minimize those distractions? The story highlights the importance of developing an intimate relationship with Jesus, which is cultivated through spending time with Him. Serving is important, but it should flow out of a heart that is connected to God. Jesus points to the “one thing” that is needed, which is to choose to sit at His feet and listen to His words. AMEN
God Loves You! ~Fr. NEIL