Focus on the One Thing Necessary - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Bishop Robert Barron
16 Jul 202213:29

Summary

TLDRThis reflection explores the biblical stories of Abraham's hospitality and the contrasting attitudes of Martha and Mary. Abraham’s undivided devotion to God in Genesis is mirrored in the lesson from the Gospel of Martha and Mary, where Jesus emphasizes the 'unum necessarium'—the one necessary thing: a focused relationship with God. Martha's distraction with tasks contrasts with Mary's contemplative attentiveness. The message encourages prioritizing God above all else, illustrating that when God is the center of life, everything else falls into its proper place, fostering peace and clarity. Practical advice includes starting the day with a dedicated time of prayer to maintain this focus.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The first reading from Genesis presents a mysterious theophany, where Abraham encounters three figures, symbolizing the Trinity.
  • 😀 Abraham’s hospitality towards the three visitors emphasizes the importance of giving God full attention and prioritizing Him above all else.
  • 😀 When encountering God, Abraham's actions exemplify the proper response: selfless service and devotion.
  • 😀 The central message of the Abraham story is that God deserves undivided attention, and all actions should revolve around Him.
  • 😀 The Martha and Mary story illustrates the tension between being consumed with the tasks of life and focusing on what truly matters: God.
  • 😀 Jesus’ response to Martha, saying 'Martha, Martha,' signifies intimacy and friendship, while gently addressing her anxieties.
  • 😀 The problem with Martha is not her hospitality, but her anxiety and scattered focus, which prevent her from seeing the bigger picture.
  • 😀 Jesus highlights the importance of focusing on 'the one thing necessary'—God—amidst life's distractions and worries.
  • 😀 The concept of 'unum necessarium' (the one necessary thing) is a reminder to center life around God, which helps in properly organizing other concerns.
  • 😀 St. Augustine’s quote, 'Love God and then do whatever you want,' emphasizes that loving God will naturally guide actions and decisions in life.
  • 😀 A practical spiritual practice, like the Holy Hour, can help maintain focus on God daily, placing all anxieties in their proper perspective.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of the story from Genesis in the context of the Gospel about Martha and Mary?

    -The story from Genesis introduces a theophany, an appearance of God to Abraham in the form of three visitors. This prefigures the Trinitarian revelation and serves as a backdrop to understanding the importance of prioritizing God above all else, as highlighted later in the Gospel of Martha and Mary.

  • What does the term 'theophany' mean in the context of Abraham's encounter?

    -A 'theophany' refers to a visible manifestation of God. In the story from Genesis, God appears to Abraham as three men, which Christians interpret as a foreshadowing of the Holy Trinity.

  • How does Abraham's hospitality in the Genesis story reflect the priority of God?

    -Abraham’s hospitality is portrayed as a model of devotion, where, once he realizes he is in the presence of God, he focuses entirely on serving the visitors. This shows that, when aware of God's presence, all of one’s attention and actions should be directed toward God, demonstrating the priority of God in life.

  • Why does Martha become upset with Mary in the Gospel story?

    -Martha becomes upset because she is preoccupied with the many tasks of hosting and serving Jesus, while Mary chooses to sit attentively at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. Martha feels that Mary is not helping her with the demands of hospitality.

  • What is the key message of Jesus’ response to Martha’s complaint?

    -Jesus tells Martha that she is anxious and worried about many things, but that only one thing is necessary. He emphasizes that focusing on God (as Mary has done) is the essential priority, and that other concerns should be placed in their proper perspective.

  • What is meant by 'unum necessarium' in the context of the Gospel?

    -'Unum necessarium' means 'the one necessary thing.' In the story, it refers to the need to focus on God above all other concerns. When God is the center of one’s life, all other things fall into their proper place.

  • How does the concept of 'unum necessarium' relate to modern life?

    -In modern life, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by numerous concerns and distractions. The concept of 'unum necessarium' encourages individuals to prioritize God, as this will help them to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and peace.

  • What role does God play in the proper ordering of life according to the sermon?

    -God is seen as the ultimate source of all being, not just one among many concerns. By focusing on God, everything else in life finds its proper order. Without this focus, individuals risk becoming anxious and disoriented by the multitude of distractions.

  • Why does the speaker reference St. Augustine's quote 'Ama Deum et fac quod vis'?

    -The quote 'Ama Deum et fac quod vis' ('Love God and do whatever you want') is used to emphasize that when you love God and place Him at the center of your life, your actions will naturally align with what is right. This highlights the importance of focusing on the 'unum necessarium' to bring harmony to all areas of life.

  • What practical recommendation does the speaker give for staying focused on God?

    -The speaker recommends practicing a 'Holy Hour' each day, a time dedicated to prayer and reflection, where one begins the day focused on God. This practice helps to center one’s life and concerns around the 'unum necessarium,' allowing everything else to fall into place.

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Related Tags
SpiritualityGod's PriorityChristian LivingBiblical ReflectionMartha and MaryTheophanyFaith PracticePrayer FocusLife BalanceChristian DevotionFulton Sheen