Martha is relatable. Life often feels unfair from our perspective. We quickly run mental calculations about what we contribute compared to what we consume. It’s easy to list the value we add, but we rarely acknowledge what we take away. When it comes to others, we are even more precise in tallying the resources they use rather than recognizing what they give. If we are honest with ourselves, our perspective on what anyone deserves is limited.

Jesus challenges our instinct for fairness. He doesn’t promise an easy life for his disciples; rather, he calls us to embrace simplicity and, at times, sacrifice. He invites us to let go of the idea of fairness and to stop comparing what we receive to what we give. Instead, he encourages us to give more—to offer our lives for our neighbors, who are anyone in need.

In the first reading, Abraham and Sarah prepare a meal for a special guest—or perhaps guests. The Hebrew text shifts mysteriously between singular and plural, reflecting the same mystery we encounter when speaking of God as both One and Three. After the meal is served, God promises them the gift of a son, the fulfillment of their long-held desire. Through this shared meal, a covenant is formed. And so it is throughout Scripture: the meal becomes a place of encounter and relationship with God.

Jesus, too, establishes a covenant with his disciples through a meal. Martha’s service matters. But her mistake lies in her judgment. She assumes Mary should be doing the same. Rather than quietly asking Mary for help, Martha turns to Jesus and accuses her sister. She believes she’s made great sacrifices, while Mary has not.

But Jesus gently corrects her. The “one thing” needed is communion with the Lord. We find that communion most perfectly in the Eucharist, the meal Jesus commands us to share each Sunday. There, we receive the gift of his sacrifice—his Body and Blood. No matter how much we give, we can never balance what we’ve been given. Discipleship isn’t about calculating cost. It’s about staying attentive to the Lord’s call and living for Christ and others.

This Sunday, we joyfully welcome Fr. George Asigre to OLPH. As we get to know him and his story, let us give thanks for his missionary service and keep him in our prayers.

Next Sunday, we will celebrate Missionary Cooperative Weekend, welcoming Fr. Tesfaye Fesuh, who ministers to Ethiopian Catholics across the United States and Canada. Please pray for his mission. If you’re able, consider supporting global Catholic missionary work. Donations can be made through envelopes or online at olphparish.org/giving. Select “Second Collections to support Archdiocesan efforts” and choose “Missionary Co-op – July.”

Let us stay close to the Lord, generous in spirit and faithful in prayer.