July 17th. Sunday 16C.   Fr Patrick reminded the congregation that there would be a special gathering of all the elderly after Mass on Sunday 24th, a few days before the feast of Joachim and Ann.   They would discuss the role of grandparents and of all the elderly. “After all you can’t really choose to be a grandparent. It’s what your children do to you!” he laughed.  “But seriously, we do appreciate how much work is done by these grannies, women and the sodalities too.   We thank you.  Those are the Marthas in the parish.  But what about the Mary’s, as we hear in the gospel?  Is sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to him and absorbing his message more important? And what would we expect the grandfathers to do? I leave you to think about that for yourselves.  Tell me later what you think. “  

Scripture:   Read Luke 10:38-44. “Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things. One thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good portion.”  Pope Francis: The fraternal and communal demands of family life are an incentive to growth in openness of heart and thus to an ever fuller encounter with the Lord.   AL316