This Sunday’s readings invite us to think about how we talk to God. We are reminded that prayer is not just about saying words but, it is about trust, hope, and knowing that God is listening. Abraham speaks honestly with God. He asks questions and waits for answers. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, giving them the Lord’s Prayer. Each phrase of the prayer reflects a deep relationship with God, focusing on His holiness, His will, and our reliance on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance. Praying the Lord’s Prayer thoughtfully can help us grow closer to God. Reflecting on each part of the prayer encourages us to align our lives with its meaning.

The Our Father, given to us by Jesus himself, is a profound reminder as to how we are to understand our relationship with God. We are called to be perfect like our Heavenly Father is perfect. MT 5:48 Jesus when asked by the apostles to teach us how to pray, is a response enveloped principally in the love of God. Remember God is love, God is all about relationship and an encounter that by its very dynamic changes us to desire and to seek God at all times. This prayerful relationship also challenges us to become mature in the spiritual life, which many a churchgoer struggles with because of ego, or conjured up ideas of what is perceived as holy but is not.

The readings this Sunday reminds us to find a way to welcome God into our homes and our lives. If you paid attention to the readings, you would have heard who listened to what the Lord said and who did not. The readings show us both action and listening. Abraham serves the Lord with great care. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Martha tries hard to serve, but she misses the quiet moment with Jesus.

In the first reading Abraham gave food and rest to three visitors. One visitor tells him that Sarah will have a son within the year, and it will be a blessing to Abraham. This reminds us that God keeps His promises. In the psalm we hear that those who live with truth and fairness will stay close to God. The second reading points to the mystery of Christ. Paul shares this mystery through his work and suffering. Understanding this mystery helps deepen our faith.

The story of Martha and Mary is a story ripened with time, that moves us to contemplate the depths and dimensions of our relationship with God.

Jesus in his public ministry is all about connection and choosing the better part of things. We find ourselves also caught in the balance of being aware of our choices and what consumes us. What draws us closer to God and what are the things that take us from God. People often spend time doing a lot of stuff being busy for the sake of busy.

You must love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

These are the words to everlasting life. Jesus amazingly makes it clear when asked what is necessary, what is the basic requirement to get to heaven. Jesus never said one must be pious but said one must be perfect like the Heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus never said one must put on external practices of perceived holiness in order to look holy, instead he said take care to not be concerned with the outside of the cup, but clean first what is within (Mt 23).

The readings this Sunday are about living God’s Word in everyday life. The readings encourage faith in action, love for others, and seeing Christ as the center of all creation. Following God’s will is not beyond our reach. God is the foundation of creation and of our faith. Everything exists through Him and is united in Him. We should love others, especially those in need.

The story of the Good Samaritan challenges us to show kindness and mercy. Faith is not just about knowing God’s Word. Faith comes alive when we live it out through our actions. The story of the Good Samaritan shows what compassion looks like. True love for God means caring for people, even strangers or those we find hard to love. God’s Word is already in our hearts. We can live it out if we listen and choose to follow it.

This Sunday’s readings call us to rejoice, trust in God, and share His peace. They remind us of the blessings we receive and the mission we must live and to spread our faith. God’s blessings are not meant to keep within us but to be shared with others. In this Sunday’s readings we hear that God’s care is personal and comforting, we can trust Him in all things, like a loving mother. Through focusing on the Cross of Christ we learn what truly matters, because it reminds us to avoid being proud of worldly success and to rely on Christ alone for our hope. Jesus sends out His disciples to share the Good News. He tells them to bring peace wherever they go and to trust God to provide for them.