Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
I like St. Martha a lot as she is portrayed in the gospels. Like her I am a bit of a spontaneous “doer” rather than a well-planned “thinker.” Summertime poses a particular challenge since so many folks where I live rush here and there, often leaving various “messes” to clean up or fix. I often do the cleaning and fixing, but sometimes with a fair streak of rash judgment in the process.
Here’s where Jesus’ response to Martha comes in handy: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; only one thing is required.” That “one thing” is to keep my eye on Jesus. In him and through him and with him there is nothing that can ever go wrong. Without him I will become a selfish mess, leaving lots of “stuff” for others to clean up and fix. Come, Lord Jesus!
—The Jesuit Prayer Team
Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. As this week moves along, help me to overcome the many distractions and worries that crowd into my life. Help me to listen to the words of Jesus and to share his love this day. Amen.
The video above highlights an interview with Fr. Patrick Conroy, SJ of the Oregon Province, at the opening of the 113th Congress in January, 2013. Fr. Conroy has served as the 60th Chaplain to the House of Representatives since May 25, 2011.
In this candid interview, Father Pat explains how he views his role in his ministry to others in the House of Representatives. An honest and humble man, having watched this interview, we hope you are as moved as we were in speaking with not only the first Jesuit to serve as the Chaplain to the U.S. House of Representatives, but more importantly, to hear from a man who truly does see God in all things.
Produced by Loyola Productions, Inc.
