Dear Preachers:

In the Eastern world of Abraham’s time, hospitality was more than a social custom—it was a sacred obligation. Welcoming the stranger was seen as a religious virtue, since guests were often regarded as messengers or even manifestations of God. In ancient stories, divine visits were not rare. To our ancestors, a visit from a stranger could carry heavenly meaning.

We Christians retain traces of this tradition. Pilgrims and travelers were to be welcomed as if sent by God. St. Benedict instructed his monks to receive guests as Christ himself: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). All were to be received as brothers and sisters in faith.

Today, in a suspicious and fast-paced world, such hospitality feels rare. That’s why Abraham and Sarah’s story remains so important – for our Jewish sisters and brothers, our ancestors in faith, and for us. Could it be that the stranger still brings light, perhaps even God’s presence? Many of us can recall an unexpected encounter that brought clarity, direction, or grace. Christ took on human flesh, and he continues to speak through others and through the ordinary moments of life.

The Letter to the Hebrews alludes to Abraham’s story when it says, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (13:2).

In today’s Genesis reading, Abraham welcomes three strangers under the heat of the day. He leaves his tent, approaches them, and offers generous hospitality. They didn’t ask for help – Abraham took the initiative. There’s a lesson here: stay alert, keep your eyes open, and offer help before it’s requested—even when it means leaving our comfort zones. Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality is lavish and joyful. They don’t know yet that their visitors are messengers from God bearing the promise of life. Their kindness expects no reward.

[One of my favorite icons depicts this scene—the “Trinity Icon” by Andrei Rublev, c. 1430. It’s worth a look.]

In the Gospel, Jesus is not a stranger to Martha and Mary, but he is a traveler in need. The well-known story of their welcome shows two responses: Martha springs into action to provide hospitality, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen. Martha’s frustration with Mary is understandable. Wouldn’t many of us react the same way?

This story is often oversimplified – used to pit the contemplative life against the active one. But we need to look deeper. Before we criticize Martha for being too anxious or busy, let’s recall who she really is.

Martha is a disciple, initiator, and woman of strong faith. She welcomes Jesus into her home. She expresses deep faith even in grief after her brother’s death (Jn 11:1–44). She serves at a dinner in Bethany shortly before Jesus’ passion (Jn 12:1–3). And her confession – “You are the Messiah, the Son of God” (Jn 11:27)  – is one of the clearest in all the Gospels.

Martha is honest with Jesus. She’s grounded, practical, and faithful. Like many of us, she juggles responsibilities while trying to live her faith. For all of us managing full lives, Martha is a powerful example of discipleship. Her story reminds us that service, rooted in faith, is holy. Martha’s home becomes a sacred place where Jesus is heard and cared for. It models what our parishes can be – places of welcome, presence, and love.

Martha invites us to bring Christ into our daily lives. She shows us that service and contemplation are not opposites, but two expressions of love. Her life reflects deep trust and a strong relationship with Christ.

Let her guide our prayer today. May we never be so anxious or distracted that we miss the quiet voice of the Lord inviting us to rest and trust. May we have the courage to speak honestly to Christ and to place our confidence in his promises. And may we recognize Christ in the ordinary tasks of life, letting both our work and prayer flow from our love of God.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072025.cfm

JUSTICE BULLETIN BOARD

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.”

 Luke10: 41

I often wonder how many men who read this passage of Martha and Mary identify with these character types in their own lives. Several years ago, I led a study on Courageous Women of the Bible and only one man expressed an interest in taking the course. I think men would learn a lot about intuition and strength and moral character by studying the biblical heroines. The Martha and Mary characters shown in today’s readings hold attributes that can be found in women and men. In today’s demanding world, anxiety, stress, and prayer time is gender equal.

The rule of St. Benedict, a guide to Christian living for many religious communities, is based on “work and prayer.” Rather than choosing between action and contemplation, perhaps we can follow St. Benedict and infuse work with prayer or pray by means of action. For anyone involved in the work of social justice, prayer must be an integral part of one’s life. The reason is simple. The unjust problems found in society that must be addressed could overwhelm a soul that is adrift from its source of being. Prayer helps one to remember that we are not alone, that we are called to faithfulness, not success, and that we are part of the health (or sickness) of the whole Body.

Jesus is not criticizing Martha in this story as Jesus is always the teacher. In this case, the lesson is that anxiety and worry are blocks to listening and to performing heartfelt service. You might ask yourself if you listen attentively to God, even when you are busy serving? Or have you ever realized that your heart was not truly in the right place when you have served?

If you want to integrate prayer more into your life, choose one routine task in your day and make it a daily prayer, thereby opening the everyday to the presence of God. You can also explore Franciscan Father Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation at Email Sign-Up — Center for Action and Contemplation and sign up for daily meditations. Gather a group of friends to listen and discuss Father Rohr’s podcasts. We have a welcoming Lectio Divina prayer group coordinated by Anne Werdel that meets by Zoom on Tuesdays at 5 PM and lots of opportunities for acts of social justice.

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

FAITH BOOK

Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run.  “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From today’s Gospel reading:

“[Martha] had a sister named Mary

who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.”

Reflection:

Mary’s way of being hospitable was not only to welcome the Prophet in their home, but to also listen to his words. She has done what people should do: welcome and listen to the one who speaks God’s word – “the one thing necessary” – as uncomfortable as prophets can sometimes make us feel.

So, we ask ourselves:

• Where and when are my favorite times to stop and listen to God’s Word?

• Is my life to busy, with no “listening space?”

POSTCARDS TO DEATH ROW INMATES

“One has to strongly affirm that condemnation to the death penalty is an inhuman measure that humiliates personal dignity, in whatever form it is carried out."

---Pope Francis

Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system.  Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations.  I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that:  we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or, whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them.   If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.

Please write to:

• Frank Chambers #0071799 (On death row since 3/10/1994)

• Jeffrey Kandies #0221506 (4/20/1994)

• John Elliot #0120038 (5/4/1994)

• Wade Cole #0082151 (6/14/1994)

----Central Prison,  P.O. 247, Phoenix, MD 21131

Please note: Central Prison is in Raleigh, NC., but for security purposes, mail to inmates is processed through a clearing house at the above address in Maryland.

For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org/resources/cacp/

On this page you can sign “The National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty.” Also, check the interfaith page for People of Faith Against the Death Penalty:   http://www.pfadp.org/

DONATIONS

“First Impressions” is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship.  It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like “First Impressions” sent weekly to a friend, send a note to fr. John Boll, OP at jboll@opsouth.org.

If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to fr. Jude Siciliano, OP:

St. Albert Priory, 3150 Vince Hagan Drive, Irving, Texas  75062-4736

Make checks payable to: Dominican Friars. 

Or go to our webpage to make an online donation:

https://www.PreacherExchange.com/donations.htm

RESOURCES

ORDERING OUR CDs:

We have compiled Four CDs for sale:

Individual CDs for each  Liturgical Year, A, B or C.

One combined CD for “Liturgical Years A, B and C.

If you are a preacher, lead a Lectionary-based scripture group, or are a member of a liturgical team, these CDs will be helpful in your preparation process. Individual worshipers report they also use these reflections as they prepare for Sunday liturgy.

You can order the CDs by going to our webpage:

https://www.PreacherExchange.com and clicking on the “First Impressions” CD link on the left.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS BY EMAIL:

1.  "HOMILÍAS DOMINICALES" ---These Spanish reflections on the Sunday and daily scriptures are written by Dominican sisters and friars. If you or a friend would like to receive these reflections drop a note to "Fr. John J. Boll, OP" preacherexchange@att.net

2. "VOLUME 2" is an opportunity for you to hear from the readers of First Impressions. To subscribe or Send your own reflections: Send them to "Fr. John J. Boll, OP." <preacherexchange@att.net > Your contributions to Volume 2 are welcome.

OUR WEBSITE: 

https://www.PreacherExchange.com - Where you will find Preachers Exchange, which includes "First Impressions," "Homilias Dominicales," and "Volume 2" as well as articles, book reviews, daily homilies and other material pertinent to preaching and Scripture reflection.

FOR EMAIL HELP OR TO UNSUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE:

Email "Fr. John J. Boll, OP preacherexchange@att.net