10th October. Discipleship.  It’s interesting that most often when we think of a family we think of a husband being the head of the wife.  In Luke’s story of the family of Mary and Martha there appears to be no husband or children. As disciples and woman friends of Jesus, Mary and Martha,  gave him welcome in their different ways:  serving and listening to him.  Martha appears to be head of the household, a ministering disciple, providing well. Mary welcomed Jesus as a disciple and follower in a different way.  We welcome our guests too – as best we can, by giving food as well as by listening.              

Reflect, share, act. Scripture At that time Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  From Luke 10:38-42   Pope Francis:   Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church, everyone can be part of the community, nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason.  The eucharist although it is the fulness of sacramental life is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak. EG47.  Life exists where there is bonding, communion, fraternity ; and life is stronger than death when it is built on true relationships and bonds of fidelity.  FT 87 Pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love, so that walking together we may renew the face of the earth.