💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 8 💖

First Reading - Galatians 1:13-24

Gospel - Luke 10:38-42

When we look closely at the lives of the saints, we may discover that they were all attentive to the voice of the Lord. They listened to God and acted accordingly. Today's readings invite us to pay attention to the Lord who comes to us and listen to Him.

The first reading gives an account of the call of Paul. The call of Paul, as narrated by him, brings us in touch with the great reality that God calls and guides us. Paul mentions that, in his enthusiasm for Judaism, he persecuted Christians, but upon realizing his call to Christ, he responded to Him. The journey of Paul, from persecutor to disciple of Jesus, is certainly interesting because it astonishes us and raises the question: How could God choose a persecutor to be His ardent disciple? The call of Paul reminds us that it is very important to be in a state of tranquility to listen to God. In his confusion and enthusiasm, Paul didn't pay attention to what God wanted from him, but when he was given the grace to realize it, he threw himself into God's hands. He says he didn't go about discussing after he was given the grace to realize his call but went to Arabia, which refers to his spiritual journey or experience. He learned to listen to God and emerged transformed.

The Gospel presents the well-known episode of Martha and Mary and reminds us to choose the better part. The scene depicts Martha engaged in preparing food, as often happens in our homes when an important guest arrives. Martha’s choice was not wrong, as she was concerned much like any of us would be in such situations. However, Jesus reminds Martha that she is too busy to pay attention to Him, the main guest for whom everything is being done. Meanwhile, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to Him, showing that she gives the most care to Jesus, the primary guest.

Dear friends, today's readings pose a question to us: Are we quiet enough to listen to God and give Him our attention? We begin our day with many activities and tasks, but do we pay attention to the Lord, who guides and helps us throughout the day? Our lives, too, can become like Martha’s, engaged in good works, but perhaps not the better ones, as we fail to spare time for the Lord. Paul learned this when he was given the grace to recognize God's voice; do we realize it ourselves? We need to learn to spend time in God’s presence, which is the better part, like Mary. Let’s choose the better part, like Mary, to attend to the Lord, who comes to us in the Eucharist, through His Word, and through our different events and people.