9 October 2007
INTRODUCTION AND HOMILY OF THE MASS
by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Pontifical Commission and of the Governatorato of Vatican City State
Parish of the Carmelite Fathers
Chiphaso, Malawi - 9 October 2007
INTRODUCTION
1. Thank-you for the amiable words of presentation with which you have welcomed me here today.
In today’s Gospel, the evangelist Luke tells about the welcome Jesus received when he visited the house of Martha and her sister Mary. In the same way, I too have felt welcomed on this my first trip to sub-Saharan Africa, everywhere I’ve gone, and today, here, with you. I have experienced first-hand the vivacity and warmth of African hospitality. Thank-you!
I too – let me say - embrace all of you with fraternal affection in my heart.
2. I bring you a precious gift, and I wish to give it you immediately: it is the blessing of Pope Benedict the sixteenth. He has asked me to bring you his fatherly greetings and his Apostolic Blessing, as pledge of special grace to you and your loved ones.
3. In the Mass which we will celebrate today, as in every Mass, we are united in a special way to the Pope, to the diocesan Bishop and to the entire great family of Saints, that is, to the brothers and sisters of Jesus, in heaven and on earth.
Let us open our hearts to the light and to the grace of the Lord, so we ourselves may be worthy to benefit from the hospitality which he offers us, inviting us to his table, in this eucharistic celebration.
HOMILY
(Lk 10: 38-42)
1. Today’s gospel ushers us into a house where one breaths in the sweet perfume of friendly hospitality. We are at the same time brought into an intimate conversation between Jesus and Martha.
The two sisters, Martha and Mary, are fascinated by the Master; and each one of them shows it according to their particular character.
Martha tries to serve Him as best she can. We can picture her either preparing some refreshing drinks, or cooking some delicious food. The Lord appreciates her work, and how could he not? If it were not for Martha’s working, how could Mary sit quietly at his feet and listen to him? And Jesus doesn’t ask her to quit working. Rather, he turns to her affectionately, by repeating her name twice: “Martha, Martha”. And he rewards her with the precious words he addresses to her – to Martha - that have come down to us in the Gospel we have just heard. It is her sister Mary that as soon as the Master enters, promptly leaves behind every other concern, and sits at his feet, hanging on his every word. She offers him the opportunity to open his heart: “Only one thing,” are Jesus’ words to Martha: “Only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken away from her.”
What is necessary --and it is the better part-- is then to place ourselves at the feet of Jesus and to hear his words. We must open ourselves to his words humbly, attentively, lovingly.
Allow me then to share with you some brief reflections on Jesus’ words.