As we reflect on the readings from 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2 and Luke 10:38-42, we are invited to delve into the profound lessons of humility and devotion, which are especially pertinent in the spirit of Feria II after the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. The teachings of the Church Fathers provide deep insights into these passages, illuminating their enduring significance in our spiritual journey.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2: Boasting in the Lord
“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commendeth himself is approved, but he whom God commendeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”In these verses, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of boasting not in our own merits but in the Lord. St. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians, underscores that true commendation comes from God, not from self-aggrandizement or human approval. Chrysostom states, “Let us not seek the praise that comes from men, but that which comes from God, for this is true praise and the reward of virtue.”
St. Paul’s metaphor of presenting the Corinthians as a chaste virgin to Christ reflects the purity and fidelity required in our relationship with God. St. Augustine, in his work “On Holy Virginity,” explains that this purity is not only physical but also spiritual, requiring a heart undivided in its devotion to Christ. Augustine writes, “The integrity of the heart is what God desires from us, a purity that remains faithful to Him above all else.”
Luke 10:38-42: The Better Part
“Now it came to pass as they went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who, sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things: But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.”This well-known story of Martha and Mary invites us to consider the balance between active service and contemplative devotion. St. Gregory the Great, in his Homilies on the Gospels, reflects on this passage by highlighting the virtues of both sisters. He notes that while Martha’s service is commendable, Mary’s choice of sitting at Jesus’ feet symbolizes the contemplative life dedicated to the direct adoration and love of God. Gregory comments, “Martha’s work is good, but Mary’s is better. For the active life serves, but the contemplative life reigns.”
St. Augustine also reflects on this narrative, pointing out that Mary’s posture at Jesus’ feet represents the soul’s deepest longing for divine wisdom and truth. He writes in his “Sermons on the New Testament,” “Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, had chosen to rest from her labors and to listen to His words, representing the soul that has found its rest in God.”
Integrating the Lessons
As we meditate on these scriptures in the context of Feria II after the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, we are reminded of the essence of true humility and devotion. Boasting in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17-18) teaches us to seek God’s approval above all, echoing the sentiments of St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine. The story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) calls us to balance our active lives with moments of contemplative prayer and reflection, as St. Gregory the Great and St. Augustine elucidate.
In our daily lives, we can strive to integrate these lessons by prioritizing time for prayer and contemplation, recognizing that our worth and commendation come from God, not from worldly achievements or accolades. By emulating