Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Today’s Gospel shows us the image of the Lord Jesus preaching at the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. While Marta was dashing around in taking care of guests and good functioning of the house, Jesus says something, but she does not understand this. For her, the most important is the preparation of the meal.  She complains, not understanding her sister who is sitting at the feet of Jesus and not helping in the preparation of the meal. The attitude of Marta is an example of perfectionism, a concern for the best picture of herself. Marta cannot see what a man really needs, she can’t hear what he would like to say. She turns to Jesus and complains about the “inaction” of her sister. Jesus defends Mary, saying that she “has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her”. He does not condemn Martha’s working . He sees her anxiety, distraction, the multiplicity of issues, which she does.

You might want to consider whether the complaint brought by Martha to the Lord Jesus does not refer in any way to our lives and our actions? Do we know what is the subject of our daily concern? We can ask more: do we see the needs of other people, or only our own? Maybe our attitude is manifested by excessive activism, perfectionism, that distracts us from the more important affairs? Mary gives us an example of what God wants the most and expects from us: it is an open and understanding heart. She recognizes Jesus as the Master, she has time for Him.  When she listens to Him, everything else ceases to exist.

It is difficult to be “Martha and Mary” at the same time, and yet both these attitudes are needed in life. We can add here a quote from the Epistle to the Colossians, in which St. Paul writes about the preaching of God’s Word. He explains clearly and transparently, that: “God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is He whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1.27-28).

Knowing all this, let us learn from Mary how should look our relationship with Jesus, despite all the problems of daily life. We should remember that we can not fall into the extremes. You need to have time for work and for prayer, for entertainment, for a holiday, for friends and family. Remember that on Sunday you have to set side doing laundry, mowing the grass, fixing the car and many other matters. This is the time for God, time to listen to His words, it is a time to reflect on life, to strengthen the spirit for the whole next week. On Sunday we go to church not so much from the obligation, but the need of the heart. It is a necessity, that derives from our openness to meet with our Lord.

God, give us the ability to listen to your words, so we could always find time for prayer and conversation with You. May the Lord give us all this grace. God Bless You!