Discussion Questions

First Reading

Genesis 18:1-10a

F1. What does this story of Abraham’s hospitality signify? Why is hospitality important? How would you compare it to Martha’s hospitality in the Gospel reading?

F2. Was God present in the guests? Abraham begat Isaac as a reward for his hospitality. Who needs your hospitality today? If you show hospitality to immigrants or the unhoused, you probably won’t get an “Isaac,” but what kind of reward might you experience?

Second Reading

Colossians 1:24-28

S1. Paul said “the riches of God’s glory” were a “mystery among the Gentiles.” What do you think helped Paul spread the good news about the riches of God, to people everywhere, changing much of the world from Gentile to Christian?

S2. If you had a task today like Paul’s, to take God’s love places where it is not known well, what would you use? How might you employ the hospitality of Abraham in the First Reading and Martha’s in the Gospel?

Gospel

Luke 10:25-37

G1. Are you Martha or Mary? Are you a little of each? Would you be agitated with Mary for not pitching in? If you were Martha what would you have done differently? Is it possible to be contemplative and active in ministry at the same time? How?

G2. Was Martha wrong and Mary right? Which one is an example of ministry to others? Which is the example of the root of ministry?

Thus, today’s Gospel passage reminds us that the wisdom of the heart lies precisely in knowing how to combine these two elements: contemplation and action. Martha and Mary indicate the path to us. If we want to savor life with joy, we must associate these two approaches: on the one hand, ‘being at the feet’ of Jesus, in order to listen to him as he reveals to us the secret of everything. On the other, being attentive and ready in hospitality when he passes and knocks at our door, with the face of a friend who needs a moment of rest and fraternity. This hospitality is needed.

Martha and Mary
Pope Francis, Angelus, 7/21/2019

Anne Osdieck
 

**From Saint Louis University