From now until the end of the church year the Sundays are numbered by the number of weeks it has been since Pentecost. Since during the first half of the year we have learned much about Jesus' person and purpose, the Gospel lessons speak mostly of Jesus words and deeds.
Proper 11 In the Old Testament lesson, Genesis 18:1-14, three men stop unexpectedly by Abraham’s tent and bring him good news: he is going to have another son, but this time the mother would be his wife, Sarah, who was well past menopause. We learn later that one of the three is the Lord and the other two are angels. Abraham and Sarah believe the Word from God that was shared with them and that Word, received in faith, made her fertile (See Hebrews 11:8-16) A year later she had a son name Isaac.
The Epistle lesson is Colossians 1:21-29. Paul reminds the Colossians of the great things God has done for them through the power of the message that he had given him to proclaim.
In the Gospel lesson, Luke 10:38-42, Martha is busy getting dinner ready for Jesus and his disciples. Mary is busy listening to Jesus. When Martha complains, Jesus praises Mary and says that she has chosen the most important thing. For Jesus’ words are the words of eternal life. They summon us to the presence of God that we may receive grace and mercy. Jesus’ words transform those who hear them and renew the minds of those who hear with faith. Those who build on Jesus’ words build securely and those who abide in his word live fruitful lives. Attention to his word is the key to effective prayer, a well-lived life, and eternal joy in the presence of God.