Generosity opens to God’s rewards
july 20, 2025 | 16th sunday in ordinary time, Year C
Genesis 10:1-10A; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42
Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday, we learn a lesson on generosity and welcoming. Martha welcomed Jesus at Bethany and offered him a wonderful meal. Mary welcomed him by opening her heart and listening to his words. Martha and Mary invite us to balance service with attentiveness to Jesus. We need to recognize the value of both practical acts and spiritual nourishment in hospitality. For St. Augustine that is true Christian hospitality, which is a natural result of a heart transformed by God's love. Such a heart is always eager to welcome others into a spiritual and physical home. Are we welcoming Christians?
Hospitality opens to God’s rewards
In the first reading from Genesis 18:1-10a, we discover the importance of hospitality and openness to strangers. Abraham was sitting by Terebinth of Mamre when he saw three men standing nearby. He welcomed them generously by offering them great hospitality. “Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree.” And Abraham asked Sarah, his wife, to prepare a wonderful meal for them. The three visitors turn out to be divine messengers, who finally gave Abraham and Sarah a special blessing. "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son." Caring for those in need is core biblical teaching. No wonder Jesus himself says: “For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). God's presence is found in unexpected places and in ordinary encounters. Abraham is teaching us today that giving and kindness can lead to blessings and positive outcomes. Our faith allows us to believe that God rewards those who demonstrate generosity, whether through financial giving, acts of service, or other forms of kindness. St. Paul advised the Community of Corinth: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Generosity opens the door to both material and spiritual blessings. Our generosity is our way of laying up treasures in heaven. How do we welcome others, especially those who are not from our family?
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC
Living the Gospel: Rejoicing in Hardships
In today’s second reading, St. Paul speaks of “rejoicing in his sufferings.” How hardship can help us strengthen our faith. We came across different forms of hardship, such as infertility and frustration with others. In Genesis, Sarah faces the hardship of infertility. As time passed, she struggled to believe that God’s promise of a child would be fulfilled. Yet, through this hardship, Abraham and Sarah’s faith was tested and grew stronger.
Hardships can help us to trust in God’s promises. The Gospel story of Martha and Mary includes the hardship of frustration. Martha is frustrated with Mary for not helping her with the work. Jesus gently reminds Martha that Mary has chosen the better part by sitting and listening to Him. This teaches us that in our frustrations, we need to focus on what truly matters.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC