Martha and Mary of Bethany – Sisters of Lazarus.
Great decision – invited Jesus to their home. There is
much that we can learn from their experience!
HOSPITALITY
In the Culture and time of Jesus, hospitality had a very important value – no Holiday Inns – survival
Abraham – welcomed 3 men, realized later he was entertaining
angels
Jews – leave out an extra chair for Elijah
Jesus – whatever you do, you do for me
Benedictines – Welcome the guest as Christ
Create a space
- hard – so much to do – welcome! Thanks to Greeters!
LISTENING
Mary sat and listened – listened to Christ & that
is prayer.
John of Damascus said – Prayer is the lifting up of the mind &
heart to God.
How – Thomas Merton – take the time!
Conversational – Rote – Lectio Divina – Liturgical
(hours & Mass)
BALANCE
Time to Work and Time to Listen – Benedictines Ora et Labora – Pray & Work
How was your day? – tell how busy we are!
Cartoon in New Yorker
bridge 8 ton load limit
Truck - 8
tons -
Bluebird lands - bridge collapses
Each has breaking point - not
fault of blue bird – already 8 tons
Explorer in Amazon – hired guides - one day, would not budge
Interpreter
- waiting for souls to catch up to
bodies.
Lesson from tiger lilies - close up in evening -
open in morning
Re=Charge,
energize
Hospitality – Listen & Pray – Balance – Good
Lessons received when Martha, Mary and Lazarus invited Jesus into their home!
