Reflection for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Three men paying a visit to Abraham and Christ being welcomed by His friends in Bethany: these images evoke one of the many ways God walks with us and shares in our human experience. God becomes the traveler, receiving hospitality and friendship. Now and then, all of us experience what it means to be on the road: heading toward our destination, known or unknown. We travel both literally and symbolically: we are in transition at various points in our lives. We are filled with questions, expectations, and sometimes, perhaps, even fear.

Those images come to mind now, in summer, when many religious sisters and priests receive their new assignments. That means leaving behind "the known" community, ministry, household, and setting, and embarking on a journey. To the people we are sent to, we are the new person in ministry—a new sister or priest. To us, everything is new. Even if we are sent to a place we already know, it will be changed. There will be different faces, tasks, and group dynamics. At times, we travel far: the new assignment can come with a new language, culture, and climate. Usually, we are excited and joyful: happy to be chosen and sent. It's our way of life and part of our vocation; yet, more often than not, it's still difficult to leave behind our "old"; place. There is always something that makes that place special to us; something we will miss.

Of course, God is our reward, and He provides for us wherever He sends us. He receives the sacrifice of our life, and He will not be outdone in generosity. But I want to ask you now: if a new priest or sister is assigned to your parish or place of ministry, recognize the travelers in them. Do welcome them as Abraham did. If you are so prompted by the Holy Spirit, make them friends of your household the way Martha, Mary, and Lazarus did. They are coming because they have chosen God to be their only love and heaven their only homeland. They are coming because God received them and decided to send them to you. They are on the road: please help them find themselves "at home" while they're with you.

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Reflection by Sr. Szymona, OP