Today’s Sunday readings bring us into the heart of God’s promise and the victory Jesus has won for us who continue to follow him: that death does not have the final word, and that life, eternal and full, begins now for those who welcome Him.
We begin with Abraham, sitting in the heat of the day at the entrance to his tent. Three mysterious visitors appear, and without hesitation, he springs into action, offering water, bread, and meat—true hospitality. But these guests are no ordinary travellers. In welcoming them, Abraham encounters God. And what does God give in return? A promise of life. Sarah, who was barren and well past childbearing years, will have a son. This is not merely a personal blessing; it is a sign of divine power to bring life where none should be possible. From a tent in the wilderness, God proclaims His ability to overcome barrenness, emptiness, and even death.
The psalm reminds us who shall dwell in the presence of the Lord—those who live justly, speak truth, and act with integrity. These are people whose lives already reflect what it means to be heavenly citizens of God’s kingdom. To live in God’s presence is not just a future hope but a present call. The life of heaven begins now, in hearts made ready by justice, mercy, and truth. Eternal life is not a reward handed out at the end, but a relationship we enter into today.
Paul, writing to the Colossians, speaks of the great mystery now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory. Christ’s victory over death is a living presence within us especially when we receive him in the Eucharist. Paul goes on to speak about his personal trials and says that his own suffering is part of this mystery. In his pain, he participates in the afflictions of Christ. Suffering, united with Christ, becomes a channel of grace and a sign that death has no lasting claim over us.
Then we come to the Gospel, where Jesus enters the home of Martha and Mary. Martha, busy with the duties of hospitality, asks for help; Mary, sitting at the Lord’s feet, listens. Jesus gently corrects Martha—not because service is unimportant, but because she has missed what matters most in that moment. Mary has chosen the better part: to be with the Lord, to receive His words, to rest in His presence. This is not just about personality or preference; it is about preparing our hearts for eternity. Heaven is communion with God, and Mary is already living that communion. The all-important gift God has given to us is Himself and not only his undivided attention when we pray, but the joy of knowing that he is with us every day and each step of the way to paradise.
We may be tempted, like Martha, to measure our worth by activity and usefulness. But Jesus invites us to trust that being with Him is more significant than anything else we may attempt to achieve. When we place ourselves at His feet—through prayer, silence, Scripture, or simply attentiveness—we are already tasting eternal life.
Christ’s victory over death is not only about what happens after we die. It is about what happens now, when we let Him dwell in us, when we welcome Him like Abraham, when we listen like Mary, when we persevere like Paul. The grave may still be part of our journey, but it is not our destination. Life does not end with the conclusion of our earthly existence. In Christ, life is transformed.
This week, make room in your tent for the Lord. Take a few moments each day to sit quietly with Him, to pray, to listen. Let your daily work flow from that place of communion. Offer your joys and your sufferings with confidence, knowing that they are part of a greater mystery—Christ in you, the hope of glory.
And if you find yourself anxious, busy, or burdened like Martha, remember that the better part is always available. Choose it. Trust it. Because the One who conquered death is already here, and He is life without end.
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