God Among Us
I’m reminded of a story about a monastery going through a time of crisis – monks leaving the monastery, nobody coming for prayers, and the few monks who remained became old, depressed, and bitter in their relationship with one another. This all changed when a holy hermit told them that one of the monks currently living in the monastery was actually the Messiah. The monks, excepting themselves, believed that anyone among them could be the Christ; and so, they started to treat one another with more respect and humility. They showed more love for one another. And their common life and prayer became more brotherly and more fervent. People took notice of the change and began coming back for retreats and spiritual direction. More candidates joined the monastery as the monks grew in zeal and holiness.
Abraham’s hospitality and care for his three visitors shows us a way of encountering God through others. God desire’s a relationship with us built on trust and openness. Abraham’s actions were tangible expressions of his faith and trust in God. In the Gospel, Martha chose to offer hospitality by busying herself with preparing a meal; Mary offered hospitality by sitting at the feet of our Lord being still, present, and attentively listening to what Jesus was teaching. Mary chose the ‘better part’ of prioritising Jesus’ presence over the distractions and busyness of life. St Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, writes of the mystery that is now revealed to all who believe – Christ in us, among us. Our Lord’s presence transforms our lives to be ‘perfect in Christ’. Our Lord wants us to have our eyes and hearts open to recognise and welcome him in every people who come our way.
The lives of the monks and the fate of the monastery changed for the better because they were opened to a simple truth: that Christ was living in their midst as one of them. Last Sunday’s Gospel taught us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Funny that in loving our neighbour, in recognising Christ in each other, we do what is first commanded for us to do – love God above all.
Blessed Sunday to you all. Randy Reyes
