Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Saint Martha – Memorial

Readings for Today



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

As we honor St. Martha, today, we should acknowledge the fact that most of us are probably much more like her than Mary. Mary chose the better part. We, too often, choose the anxious and worrisome part.

Martha was deeply loved by Jesus. This is evident even in the small detail of Jesus saying her name twice. “Martha, Martha…” This is a sign of affection. But His love for her was such that He wanted to point her to the better part, too. He wanted her, like Mary, to rest from her anxiety and worry and rest with Him.

Sure, there was much to be done. There was a dinner to prepare and guests to feed; Jesus being the most important guest. But Jesus cuts through all the normal parts of hospitality and focuses in on the most important part. He focuses in on love. He honors Mary for kneeling before Him and encourages Martha to do the same.

Perhaps there are many times during our busy days that this invitation from Jesus should be listened to. There are many times when we simply need to stop and listen, be present and adore. Entering into quiet and stillness with Jesus is most often far more “productive” than doing, doing, doing. We often can strive to find our worth in all that we do when Jesus is saying that our worth is actually found in who we are. And who are we? We are people called to be in the constant presence of our Lord, loving Him and being fed by Him.

Reflect, today, upon your daily prayer life. Do you pray? Perhaps you say a few prayers here and there. But do you pray? Do you take time to stop everything else, fall on your knees and be still in the presence of our divine Lord? Doing this will do more for your life and the lives of others than if you worked non-stop 24/7.

Lord, help me to seek Your still silent presence. Help me to surrender over my anxiety and worry. Jesus, bathe me in Your grace and help me refocus each and every day on You. Jesus, I love You. Jesus, I trust in You.

More Gospel Reflections

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Saint of the Day – Saint Martha

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Image: Christ in the House of Martha and Mary by Jan Bruegel

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