Sixth Sunday after Pentecost • Year C

Historical Collect

Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; that you may hear our petitions. In all things, help us to ask for what will please you; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)

Thematic Collect

Gracious God, in you we find our peace, comfort, and rest. In the midst of the harried pace and chattering noises of our world, you call to us lovingly to find our life in your son Jesus. Teach us to be still, to listen, and to follow; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Common Thread

The Lord shows up at unexpected times; when life is not going as we hoped is one of those times. Do we scoff at his appearing, as though insisting “too little, too late,” or do we exclaim, “Lord, do not pass me by”? Do we want the presence of the Lord or not? Do we wish to abide with the keeper of our salvation, or see him walk on by because we are too frustrated by life to have to take on one more personality? All the while, we know that this person, this Christ who surprises and seems to frustrate our plans, is our hope of glory. He is the answer to all of our suffering and discontent. All that is needed is to take a break from the frustrations and busyness, and sit at Jesus’ feet and listen.

First Reading • Genesis 18:1-10a, 10b–14

Oswald Chambers said, “The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him” (My Utmost for His Highest). Sarah was evidently very good at serving, at preparing meals, like Martha in today’s Gospel lesson. Also, like Martha, she was not so good at listening to the Lord. They both knew how to roll out the welcome mat (Luke 10:38) but unlike Martha, Sarah at least was listening in the wings (Gen 18:10). The problem was that she heard but did not believe.

This sounds like a lot of Christians who welcome the Lord and serve him but do precious little listening, believing, and obeying. Martha seemed not to be listening at all. Sarah listened but did not “hear.” She did not believe.

Psalm • Psalm 27:1–6, 7–14

David wanted to build a house for the Lord but that is not what God wanted. God wanted David’s devotion, his faith, his abiding in his presence, more than he wanted his service for him. That very thing was David’s prayer. He wanted to behold the beauty of the Lord (v4).

Second Reading • Colossians 1:21–29

There is nothing wrong with service to the Lord, so long as it does not interfere with our faith. It is possible that we continue in service, serving on this committee and working around the church facilities, without continuing in the faith. Too often, eulogies betray the deceased’s true affections and hopes. “She was a good worker in her church.” Beware Christ does not say, “But I never knew you” (Matt 7:23). Our hope is in the word of the Lord, never in our service to him.

Gospel • Luke 10:38–42

Martha was the one who welcomed the Lord into her house. Mary is the one who welcomed him into her heart.