Homily: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Genesis 18:1–10 | Colossians 1:24–28 | Luke 10:38–42
20 July 2025
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
One of my favourite mass songs is “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad” (A Prayer for Generosity). We ask the Lord to teach us to open our hands so that our palms are exposed. Why do you think? Let us try to open our hands. This is the hand position that allows us to receive! If our hand is holding on to something or closed in a fist, do you think we can receive something that is being handed to us? In order for us to receive, we have to be open.
OPENNESS. That is the beautiful theme quietly running through all our readings today. It may not be about the openness of one’s hands but rather it is about the openness of a heart ready to receive. It is not just about politeness or hospitality. It is about being open to God, especially when He comes in unexpected ways.
Take Abraham in our First Reading. It is a hot day, and he is resting by his tent when three strangers appear. He rushes to welcome them, offers food and water — not knowing he is welcoming God, Himself. His hospitality is rewarded because in that moment of simple openness, he receives a life-changing promise: “This time next year, your wife Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10)
Then in the Gospel, Jesus visits Martha and Mary. Martha is busy serving, while Mary simply sits and listens. Martha gets really upset and frustrated, but Jesus gently tells her: “You are anxious and worried about many things. Mary has chosen the better part.” (Luke 10:41-42) He is not scolding Martha for making an effort to see to their needs, but He is reminding her that she ought to take advantage of the opportunity to be present for what truly matters. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, but Mary welcomed Him into her heart.
Paul, in the Second Reading, also reminds us that openness is not always about action — it can also be about bearing suffering with grace. He speaks of Christ living in us: “Christ in you — the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul’s whole life, even his pain, becomes a way of receiving and revealing Christ. He rejoices because despite his personal hardship, he knows that his efforts have allowed for the Church to grow, and more people to know and experience the love of Christ and the Good News of the Kingdom.
What do these stories say to us? They show us that God comes to His people — again and again. He chooses to be present to us through strangers, silence, interruptions, and even suffering. Are we open — not just with our time, but with our hearts? Have we made space for Him lately? Or are we so busy with everything that we have forgotten to be more open; welcoming to receive? Sometimes, it is because we are so judgmental of people and situations that we fail to see the possibility of God being present through them.
Today, let us take inspiration from Abraham, Mary and Paul. Abraham shows us to welcome the unexpected. Mary shows us to pause and listen. Paul shows us to let Christ live within us — even in hardship. Let us always keep in mind that God loves us so much that He cannot stay away from His people. He comes to bring joy, to guide and to console. Let us pray that we will not miss the time of His coming; that we will recognise Him and be open to receive the grace and blessing of His loving presence.
Sunday Gospel Reflections 