16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C

There are a number of people who place themselves at the feet of Jesus in the gospels, and a number of reasons why they do so.

Today we see Mary at the feet of Jesus seeking instruction and wisdom from him.

At other places in the gospels, we see people place themselves at the feet of Jesus seeking his gift of healing.

Before she recognized him as her Risen lord, Mary Magdalene put herself at the feet of Jesus filled with sorrow and grief.

And one of the ten lepers, a Samaritan who was cured by Jesus, placed himself at the feet of Jesus to offer him his gratitude and thanksgiving.

To those who placed themselves at the feet of Jesus in the gospels, Jesus offered instruction and enlightenment, healing and forgiveness, comfort and consolation, and assurances of his love.

We are invited by the gospel today to join Mary in placing ourselves at the feet of Jesus for whatever it is we are seeking from him -- instruction and enlightenment, healing and forgiveness, comfort and consolation, and assurances of his love.

Let us always remember that Jesus loves us as much as he loved all those whom he encountered during his life here on earth, and in imitation of Mary, and all the others who placed themselves at the feet of Jesus in the gospels, let us put ourselves before him seeking whatever gift or grace we desire from his generous bounty today and every day of our lives.

Thomas P. Ferguson
July 22, 2007