Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Galatians 1:13-24; Luke 10:38-42)
As much as some people look for God, often enough it is God
who finds them. Both readings today
testify to God making a call on people. In
the first reading St. Paul tells the Galatians how he was persecuting Christians
when Christ paid him a visit. The
account of Christ’s appearance is the most authentic available. It is the personal testimony of someone who
saw the risen Lord. Unfortunately, Paul does not elaborate beyond
saying that Jesus was revealed to him so that he might proclaim him to the
Gentiles.
In the gospel Jesus stops at Martha and Mary’s house for a
visit. They are evidently his friends as
Martha does not mind complaining to him.
Indeed, they seem to be such good friends that Jesus can correct Martha’s
attitude without ingratiating himself first.
Meanwhile, Mary knows that when the Lord comes, people should drop
everything to listen. No matter that dinner
is on the stove or that the dryer buzzer has just rung. He deserves complete attention.
Jesus comes to us especially in the Eucharist. But he also arrives throughout the day at
unexpected moments. He may say something
important to us through the friendly mail deliverer. Or perhaps when we face a setback, he will
speak to us if we offer a prayer instead of a curse. He is always around and will make himself
apparent if we open ourselves to him.
