16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary Readings: Gn. 18:1-10a; Ps. 15; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42
Theme: Two Mitzvahs of spending time visiting the sick and practicing hospitality
In the reading from Bereshit, the Book of Genesis [18:1 – 10a], the story opens by saying that God appeared to Abraham [Gen. 18:1] but when Abraham applies the vision to his own world he suddenly sees three men standing before him [Gen. 18:2]. Abraham is the religious man par excellence for he sees God in the human situation. By visiting Abraham to distract him from the pain of recovering from his recent circumcision, God provides us with an example of the mitzvah of visiting the sick, bikkur holim [BT Sot 14a]. Visiting the sick may not physically alter the course of an illness, but the knowledge that people care may ease the suffering and discomfort of one who is ill. The presence of a caring friend lessens a sense of suffering. When the Sages envision God visiting Abrahm to lessen his discomfort, they may be implying that sometimes all we can give an afflicted person is the gift of our time and our caring presence, and when we do that, we are following God’s ways.
Why is the story of Abraham’s circumcision [Gen. 17:10-14] followed by the visitation of God in the form of three men or angels? God came to visit while Abrahm was recuperating to make clear the mitzvah of visiting the sick.
Why was Abraham sitting at the door of his tent? To watch for passing strangers whom he might invite into his abode. Hence, Abraham was ever prepared to welcome strangers and practice the mitzvah of hospitality. Abraham had his servant assist him in order to instruct him in the mitzvah of hospitality. According to the midrash the young man was none other than his son Ishmael.
By turning away from God to attend to the three strangers, Abraham teaches us that caring for others and extending hospitality is also a great mitzvah “Hospitality to wayfarers is greater than welcoming the Divine Presence” [BT Shab. 127a]. When we turn our attention from God to tend to the needs of people, we do God’s will. Conversely, God is not pleased when we place such a great focus on God that we ignore needy human beings.
Abraham plays host to the three heavenly visitors, and is rewarded with the gift of a child in his old age. Paul in the Second Reading emphasizes that he is serving the Church since God entrusted to him the ministry of bringing into effect God’s design among the people. Jesus appreciates the hospitality extended by both Martha and Mary with certain qualifications. Choosing the one thing necessary in life requires first of all, learning to choose what is right and useful for our lives.
As long as we are guided only by our intelligence, we may end up doing unimportant things like Martha. However, if we obey our conscience, we begin to do enduring acts like Mary. Life requires a healthy balance of both.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. Instructions in caring for the sick and the mitzvah of hospitality to strangers may appear superfluous in today’s busy world. Spending time with an ailing person or with visitors is one of the hallmarks of hospitality. Consider some of the other aspects of hospitality and caring for the sick that may be unique to your local community, family or culture.
2. Choosing the one thing necessary in life requires first of all, learning to choose what is right and useful for our lives. How do you see God in the daily human situation of your life?
3. What measures are you prepared to take in your life to ensure a healthy balance between the head and the heart?
Bibliography: Plaut, The Torah: A Modern Commentary, (New York, 1985); Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary (Jewish Publication Society, New York, 2001); Mimeographed notes.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Roy da Silva, MTh [Biblical Theology], India. Bat Kol alumnus, 2002 – 2006, 2015
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