October 06, 2020

Lk 10: 38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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.

Taking a pause

Martha worries and frets about what is happening around her, believing that what is important is in what she does and not who she is with. Unlike her sister, Mary chooses the better part; she does not miss the opportunity to pause and sit down and talk with Jesus, to be present.

In this time we find ourselves in, where we do not have complete control, where the news shakes us and the effects of the pandemic prevail, today's Gospel invites us not to lose hope, not to strive to be in control, but to have a pause in our life, to be with Jesus with all our life, with all that we are and have.

How do I live my relationship with God, with others, and the world?

—Abiud Alejo Rolón Macías, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic from the Mexican province (MEX) who is studying philosophy and social sciences at the ITESO, Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Mexico. 

Prayer

Lord, may my life be centered on you and be a sign of hope in times of tribulation. May your love suffice for me.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

—Abiud Alejo Rolón Macías, SJ with the Suscipe prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola