Summertime is marked by family reunions, barbecues, neighborhood parties and travel. It is a time for showing hospitality to family and friends and to be surprised by the welcome of others wherever we find ourselves. In the business of summer activities, God’s Word suggests another type of hospitality. We are encouraged to slow down, take time to smell the flowers and most especially, to pay attention to God.
Today’s Gospel passage recounts the famous story of the hospitality of Jesus’ friends, the two sisters, Martha and Mary. Each sister offers hospitality in a different way. Martha serves and waits on the Lord while Mary welcomes Jesus by sitting at his feet and listening to him.
The rivalry between the two sisters has often been cited as an example of the tension between active and contemplative life in the Church. However, each sister represents an important aspect of our calling as disciples. We are to serve and pray. We are to meet Jesus in the needy as well as to listen to his word. Each sister models the hospitality that we are to extend to others and to receive from those we welcome.
One commentary on this Gospel story offers these suggestions: “in our daily concerns we may sometimes lose sight of being attentive to God. Some people use simple reminders to help them not to forget God. A prayer taped to the bathroom mirror, a religious image on the desk, a screen-saver of a holy site or a CD with religious music in the car are all simple ways to remain attentive to the Lord in the busyness of the day.” Another way to be hospitable to God is to drop into church for a visit. Keep in mind our church is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Fr. Kishore Battu SAC
Parish Activities! – Save the Dates
August 25— Parish Picnic
St. Valentine Church picnic will be held on Sunday, August 25th. We will begin with an outdoor Mass under the tent at 12 noon followed by our picnic. This is a fun-filled day to share with your family and fellow parishioners. Volunteer to bring a dish to pass. Hotdogs and burgers provided by the Men’s Club.
September 15—14th Annual Fun Run & Spaghetti Dinner
Fun Run and Spaghetti Dinner – or all those trying for a personal best time on their 5 K Run—the date is set…September 15th!
Volunteers Needed!
As always, we need a lot of volunteers to help make this day run smoothly. We always need you …. Young or the Young at Heart all are needed!
Sponsors
In the past we have only solicited businesses to sponsor our Fun Run/Walk, BUT if a family/anyone would like to sponsor the Fun Run we would more than graciously accept your donation. A donation of $100 or more gets your name on the back of the shirt OR 225 of an item to put in the runners goodie bags. Please feel free to contact Bonnie at the parish office 313-532-4394 x201.