Though we often take the “Our Father” for granted, it is good to remember how remarkable and radical it was for Jesus to begin the prayer not with “Almighty God” or “Mighty King” but with the most personal and intimate name: our Father. Through those words we are invited into a relationship as one of a beloved child coming to ask a loving parent for the things we need.

When we pray it, we begin by addressing God as “FATHER”. It reminds us of a FATHER who created us in his image and likeness; and the God who is very extravagant in his love! When we say, “Hallowed be your name,” we are injected in his holiness, so he sanctifies us to become saints.

This Gospel reading challenges us to remember that being busy for the Lord is not the same as being with him, to sit at his feet and hear him in our hearts. Truly that is the “better part.”

Jesus is not asking us to choose between being a Martha or a Mary. He challenges us that in order to be a reliable service-oriented Martha, we should be authentic praying Mary. Our service to our neighbor and our prayer to God are bridges where Jesus can walk from our hearts to those in need. To reach the soul, we have to begin with the body.

Jesus parable of the Good Samaritan is well-known and often quoted. Yet we often miss how Jesus uses the question “Who is my neighbor?” to upend a rigid and impersonal view of the “Law” of the Jewish people. Through an unlikely her--a member of the Samaritans, who were disdained by the Jews--we see an exemplary and sacrificial love.

If you’re asked today by Jesus, “Who is a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” and if your answer is, “The one who treated him with mercy,” Jesus is telling you right now, “Go and do likewise!” That’s our mission this week: be a good Samaritan! Remember, LOVE creates good neighbors! So, just LOVE!

Evangelization is not a job assigned only to bishops, priests, and religious brothers and sisters. Pope Paul VI insisted that the “task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church.” And by “the Church,” he meant the Church as a whole—everyone, including the laity. Today’s Gospel reminds us of God’s calling for us to participate in His Work throughout the world, no matter what we do or where we are.