Today’s first reading and the gospel are both linked by the theme of hospitality. The ever-ready and gratuitous hospitality is the symbol of all forms of service to our neighbors. The attention and kind generosity shown by Abraham towards the three visitors is a good example. The tale of Martha and Mary stresses instead that every service, even service to Christ, cannot be separated from listening to the Word. St. Paul is a model of service to his fellows. Few people were capable of loving like him, because few are those who have been so close to the word of God. This is the teaching from the second reading. “You are right, Martha, you are right! Don’t get excited!” replied Jesus, as if huddling in expectation of a beating, and smiling entered the kitchen followed by Mary. The two sisters then gave him an apron and told him to watch the fire under the pot with the chicken, inviting him to tell them the news from Galilee... Mary represents all women in the Church, but in a larger sense she is a model for everyone. We are called to be disciples of Jesus, to offer him the warm hospitality he experienced in that home in Bethany, to listen to him as intently as did Mary, to make him the priority of our lives, and to allow nothing and no one to deprive us of our relationship with him. Abraham in other hand, offered hospitality to the angels who were messengers from God. We are urged to offer hospitality to Jesus, who is the Son of God!