7th Week of Pentecost

Acts 15:22-30
Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: ‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'” And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.

Luke 10:38-42
As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Imagine running around working hard, trying to impress God. You make sacrifices, and give up opportunities. You sweat and toil. Then Jesus tells you, “only one thing is necessary.” Imagine sitting at Jesus feet, praying, listening, and loving. Imagine dwelling in God’s love. Being loved is our most important task. God made us to love us. Thus when we worry about what others are doing, or what we are able to do we should rather focus on what we can do- recieve the love of Jesus.

Glory, praise, and honor to the eternal and glorified Father, to the Son, and to the Spirit and Consoler:
the Holy Trinity, the One God, the Truth in which the heavens and the earth stand;
to God, who has no beginning, is eternal, and whose kingdom has no end.
He is the One, who is respectfully blessed in his dwellings.
By the perfume of this incense, which our feeble and unworthy hands present,
may the dead be pardoned.
May it be the hope for mercies,
may sinners be justified and our minds be clothed with glory.
May our wills be strengthened so that we may observe all your commandments,
and may our evil instincts obtain pardon on the day of judgement.
May this incense erase all the sins we have committed from your book of justice.
May the churches be strengthened,
the monasteries and convents be protected,
and may the priests accomplish their duty of thanksgiving to you, O Hidden One.
May the sorrowful be consoled,
cowards have courage, children be protected, and mercy be offered to the aged.
May the young men rejoice and the young women exalt.
May mothers take delight in their children
and may the unborn have life.
May the whole year be filled with all kinds of blessings,
so that the poor and the hungry may be fed and offer you praise throughout the world.
All nations will adore you and all peoples glorify you.
The famished will be satisfied by your gifts
and the needy with your bounty
and thanksgiving will arise from everywhere to you, O Hidden One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the One true God,
to whom is due glory an may your mercies rest upon us,
now and for ever. Amen.