St. Bruno, priest 

Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher, virgin  

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Galatians 1:13-24

You have heard of my previous activity in the Jewish community;

I furiously persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it. For I was more devoted to the Jewish religion than many fellow Jews of my age, and I defended the tra­ditions of my ancestors more fanatically.

 But one day God called me out of his great love, he who had chosen me from my mother’s womb; and he was pleased to reveal in me his Son, that I might make him known among the pagan nations.

Then I did not seek human advice nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. I immediately went to Arabia, and from there I returned again to Damascus. Later, after three years, I went up to Je­ru­salem to meet Cephas, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 

But I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord’s brother. On writing this to you, I affirm before God that I am not lying.  After that I went to Syria and Cilicia. The churches of Christ in Judea did not know me personally; they had only heard of me: “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he tried to uproot.” And they praised God because of me.

 

Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he entered a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the Lord’s feet to listen to his words.

 Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving and finally she said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving?” But the Lord answered, “Mar­tha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

The story of Martha and Mary in today’s gospel confirm the experience of St. Paul. When Martha complains that it looked as though Jesus was unconcerned with her labors preferring instead the attention of Mary seated at the feet of Jesus, Jesus tells her that Mary had chosen the better part – contemplating or basking in the love of the Master.

Sometimes it can happen even amongst missionaries to become more attentive to work for the Master and forget the Master of the work. Jesus had to remind Martha that intimacy with him took precedence over the work or mission.

The one really necessary thing is to be in love with Jesus! The motivation for the ministry is resting in the unfathomable love of the Master which in turn would impel one so in love to go on mission! Beloved missionary, how much time you have for the Master?