16th Sunday in Ordinary Time


All three of this week’s readings remind us that following Jesus often involves hardship and sacrifice. Abraham and Sarah waited many years, through heartache and uncertainty, for the gift of children. Their story shifts when they choose to extend kindness and hospitality to three strangers. It is through that act of generosity that they receive God’s abundant blessing. Their example challenges us to do the same: to love and serve those around us, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

In the second reading, Paul speaks of his suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He doesn’t shy away from hardship but embraces it as part of his mission. Paul sees his life, as all of us should see our lives, as a stewardship, a responsibility given by God to serve others and share Christ freely. Abraham, Sarah and Paul all show us that faith involves giving of ourselves, even when it costs us something, for the greater good of God’s kingdom.

Finally, in the Gospel, we meet Martha, who works hard to prepare her home for Jesus. But her heart is heavy with frustration and resentment toward her sister Mary, who sits at Jesus’ feet instead of helping. Martha’s attitude invites us to reflect on our own hearts when we serve. Are we offering our help with joy, or are we burdened by comparison, frustration, or weariness? Jesus invites us to find peace in Him, to see Him in those we serve, and to find joy even in the midst of our own struggles.

Our St. Pius X Outreach Committee does an amazing job throughout the year of helping others in need. This next week, we are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, July 23rd from 10AM – 4PM. What a perfect time to give selflessly and quite literally offer the gift of life. The following week, Sunday, August 3 we are holding our annual Haiti Golf Benefit to help support missionaries in Haiti. And don’t forget, Monday August 28th starts our Vacation Bible School! Follow Paul’s example and share the love of Christ with all those around you including the kids! Thankfully with an active parish like St. Pius X, there are many ways to share our love, faith, time and talents. My prayer for you this week is to have a servant’s heart; open, joyful, and rooted in Christ. May you extend love and blessings to everyone you meet.