16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C

1st Reading    Gen. 18:1-10a

Resp. Psalm   Ps. 15:2-3a.3bc-4ab.5 (R. 1a)

2nd Reading   Col. 1:24-28

Gospel             Luke 10: 38-42

A GOOD DISCIPLE IS HOSPITABLE

From last Sunday, we have been focusing on Charity and hospitality, especially to strangers. This Sunday, in continuing this theme, the first reading brings to our reflection Abraham's generous hospitality towards the three men (Gen. 18:1-10a), while the Gospel (Lk. 10: 38-42) adds that hospitality with the possession of Christ is much to be desired. Possessing Christ makes a good disciple. We may then want to underline the issue of FAITH AND WORKS. We may be unable to act well if we do not learn to sit at the Lord's feet to listen.

Let us use few highlights from the first reading to help us find ourselves within the theme of hospitality. Three details will occupy us. 

The first detail is the TIME OF THE DAY. The author makes us aware of the fact that it is the HEAT (CHOM) of the day. What is referred to here is somewhat of NOONTIME. This is the high point of the day and Abraham took notice of the time. It is a time usually associated with tiredness. At work, there is a break to regain energy or refresh oneself before one continues working. Anyone travelling by that time will be extremely tired and will be in need of help. We usually arrive at points in life that we may consider as the HEAT OF OUR DAYS. At these times, all we can do it to seek help. It is even more beautiful to realise the help a neighbour needs when we have taken notice of our own time. If we need help, we must be aware that another person needs help. While you rest, do not sleep, do not be blind to the plight of others. 

The second detail that will help us be hospitable men and women is the fact of the close observance of the identity of the three men. From all indications, there is a divine encounter. These men have a mysterious side.  In Gen. 18:1 we are told that THE LORD appeared to Abraham. Then, with the mention of three men, we are told in verses 5 and 9 that "THEY SAID". We get the clue that the Lord appeared to Abraham in the form of three persons. This is called THEOPHANY (the manifestation of God to a person). The number three signifies the things that only God does. Remember when Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days; when we call God "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" (Rev. 4: 8). In my opinion, where three applies to God, there is a redeeming work. There is going to be change in the order of things. There is a place we hold in the lives of others inasmuch as we have what it takes to help. We are Godly when we extend our help to others. We can assume the position of 'three'.

Finally, we must emphasize the fact that Abraham 'ran' to meet them. The narrative leaves is to wonder about why Abraham had to be hospitable to these three men. It is a normal practice to wash the feet of travellers when they arrive. This may be tied against their feet getting dirty. Abraham running is quite exceptional because at this time in Abraham's life it will be difficult to ran as a youth. He is also old and has a particular social standing. In the Middle East, an elderly man of some social standing would not normally respond in this way to visitors. What we can further imply is that Abraham defied the conditions of his day to help. What, by his age and social class, he cannot do, he did. He is actually an example to all. The world tells you that in doing the good 'Don't do it because you are too high to do that', or let people beg you before you help. These are actually wrong.

May God help us to be like Abraham being hospitable to others. May we also imitate the example to Mary to first learn to listen and be good disciples of love, charity and hospitality. Remember that it is better to possess Christ and add works of charity. 

Pax et Bonum.