2025/07/20 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Fr. Radley Alcantara, Associate Pastor

I can't believe it’s already been three weeks since moving to Saint Clement.  The last couple of months have been full of transition and change for me.  I said goodbye to a parish I loved and served for five years.  Now I’m in a new city and community, learning new names, rhythms, and routines. In many ways, it feels like starting over.

Since I found out I’d be moving parishes, it’s been nonstop.  Trying to say goodbye well, wrapping up loose ends, packing, moving, meeting new people, learning new systems, schedules, and particularities.  I’ve felt like I’ve been running around like crazy – go go go, do do do.

In light of this new season, I have a greater appreciation for this weekend’s gospel passage.  Martha is doing all the things.  She’s trying to get everything right.  But Jesus gently tells her that Mary has chosen the better part.  Not because serving is bad, but because being with him is better.

This challenges me because my usual rhythm of prayer, exercise, social time, and ministry has been disrupted by the move.  In this season of change, this passage reminds me that the “one thing” I need most isn’t necessarily productivity.  It’s presence.  It’s Jesus.

Maybe you’re in a season like that too.  Maybe life feels fast or full or just… loud.  If that’s you, I want to encourage you: slow down.  Go for a walk.  Make time for silence.  Come to Mass ten minutes early.  Sit with the Lord.  Take in the gift of these beautiful Chicago summer days.  Not just to rest, but to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing in the first place.

Let’s not forget the “one thing” that matters most.