Homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    The readings today open with an intriguing story about three men who visit Abraham. This story illustrates themes of hospitality, divine revelation, and the covenant relationship between God and humanity in a unique way. This passage not only serves as a narrative of Abraham's welcoming of the visitors, but also foreshadows the deeper theological truths that resonate throughout today’s readings.
    In Genesis 18, the three men, often interpreted as a manifestation of God, arrive at Abraham's tent. Abraham's immediate response is one of hospitality; he runs to meet them, bows before them, and offers them sustenance. This act of hospitality is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where welcoming strangers was not merely a social nicety but often seen a sacred duty. Abraham's   actions exemplify the virtue of hospitality, which is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. His openness to the three visitors reflects a heart attuned to the presence of the divine in the ordinary, reminding us that God often comes to us in unexpected ways. The dialogue that follows reveals the purpose of the visit: the announcement of the impending birth of Isaac, the child of promise. This moment underscores God's fidelity to His covenant with Abraham. Despite their advanced age, Sarah and Abraham are reassured of God's promise, emphasizing that nothing is impossible for God. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the unfolding of salvation history, illustrating God's desire to engage with humanity and fulfill His promises.
    In Colossians 1:24-28, we see a parallel theme of revelation and the unfolding of God's plan. Paul speaks of his sufferings for the sake of the Church and the mystery hidden for ages, which has now been revealed. The connection here lies in the notion of divine revelation—just as Abraham received a revelation of God's promise through the three men, Paul articulates how the mystery of Christ has been made manifest to the Gentiles. The emphasis on Christ in us, the hope of glory, echoes the transformative nature of divine encounters. Just as Abraham's life was irrevocably changed by his encounter with the divine, so too are we called to be transformed by our relationship with Christ.
    In Luke 10:38-42, we encounter Martha and Mary, who embody two different responses to the presence of Jesus. Martha is busy with the tasks of hospitality, while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. This passage invites us to reflect on the balance between action and contemplation. While hospitality is important, as demonstrated by Abraham, there is also a call to prioritize our relationship with God. Jesus' gentle admonition to Martha highlights the importance of being present to the divine, suggesting that the ultimate goal of our actions should be to draw closer to God.
    These readings point to several important conclusions about the nature of our relationship with God and the call to hospitality. First, we are reminded of the importance of being open to the divine presence in our lives, recognizing that God often comes to us in the guise of others. Second, we are called to embrace the mystery of faith, understanding that God's plans may unfold in ways that challenge our expectations. Finally, we are invited to find a balance between action and contemplation, ensuring that our service to others is rooted in a deep relationship with Christ. The three men who visit Abraham serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, the importance of hospitality, and the transformative nature of divine encounters.