When God Visits, Drop Everything and Run to Him: A Sunday's Reflection

Sunday Reflection – July 20, 2025

When God Visits, Drop Everything and Run to Him

Today’s readings offer a beautiful and powerful reminder: when God visits us, our response matters deeply.

First Reading: (Genesis 18:1–10a)

In the Old Testament reading, we see the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oak of Mamre. God came in the form of three visitors, and Abraham, recognizing something divine in their presence, ran to meet them. He did not hesitate or delay. He offered them the best hospitality he could: water to wash their feet, rest in the shade, and food prepared by his wife, Sarah. It was in the context of this generous welcome that God made a miraculous promise — that by this time next year, Sarah, though 90 years old, would have a son.

This was not just a meal; it was a divine encounter. Abraham knew it, and he responded with humility, urgency, and reverence. What about you and I? 

The Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 15:2–3, 3–4, 5)

“He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”

This psalm reminds us that right living , justice, honesty, and a pure heart, prepares us to dwell in the Lord’s presence. Abraham’s openness and righteousness made him a friend of God. In our world most of us are not living in justice. We see and do so many things that are not pleasing to God but we look the other way or simply desensitize ourselves inside with excuses. 

Second Reading: (Colossians 1:24–28)

St. Paul speaks of the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed: Christ in you, the hope for glory. He emphasizes the work of making God known, of helping others grow in spiritual maturity. This work is only possible when we, like Abraham and Mary, open our hearts to the presence and revelation of God.

The Gospel Reading: (Luke 10:38–42)

In the Gospel, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha was “distracted with much serving,” Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, Jesus gently corrected her:

 “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is a need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)

How profound this is: just like Abraham recognized and honored the presence of God, so too did Mary. She stopped everything and gave her full attention to the Lord.

When God visits, what do we do? Do we recognize Him in the moment, in the Word, in the Eucharist, in the silence of prayer, or even in the Stranger?

Abraham ran to meet the three visitors. Mary sat and listened. Both chose the better part, they gave their full attention to the presence of God.

Today’s reflection fits perfectly with a video I saw last Friday.

I watched a comedy on YouTube from “Yawa Skits” that carried a deeply moving lesson. It was about a young, struggling man called Kalistus or King Kali, in Nigeria who had been hustling day after day, hoping for a breakthrough. One morning, before stepping out, he looked up to the heavens and cried out to God in heartfelt prayer.

God heard him, and decided it was time to send help. So, God sent His messenger, who disguised herself as a street beggar.

At the same time, that young man crossed paths with a well-dressed stranger who appeared to be his “destiny helper.” Unbeknownst to him, the man, driving a fancy car and flashing generosity, was actually an organ smuggler. Excited and hopeful, the young hustler believed his prayers had finally been answered. The stranger gave him money, bought him new clothes, and transformed his appearance almost overnight. His friend couldn’t even recognize him anymore.

Meanwhile, the true messenger of God, still disguised as a beggar, kept approaching him, trying again and again to get his attention. All she needed was an acknowledgement and a simple act of kindness and to have him say words of blessing upon himself. But he ignored her every single time until his final damnation came.

Eventually, the young man, Kali, unknowingly consented to give up his organs and ended up bringing himself to a clinic, where his kidneys were about to be harvested. In that critical moment, the servant of God revealed herself yet again, but by then, it was almost too late.

May we never be so distracted, so desperate, or so dazzled by appearances that we miss the moment when God truly shows up.

 Not every helper is from God. And sometimes, divine help comes in the most unexpected manner, just like how Abraham was visited by the three strangers. He could have easily brushed them off, but instead, he by way of discernment, welcomed them with open arms, and through that, he received a divine promise.

This is not just a story about hospitality or chores versus prayer. It's about recognizing the presence of God and choosing Him above all else. It is about pausing our routines, our scrolling, our busyness, to say: "Lord, you are more important than anything else right now."

Let us not be too preoccupied for the Author of our being. No newsfeed, no task, no entertainment deserves our attention more than God Himself. And if He knocks on the door of your heart, and my heart today, we should drop everything and welcome Him in.

May your day be filled with grace, and may your heart be attentive to His visit. We have the discernment to know God when He shows up to us. 

God bless you.

-Pal Ronnie-