July 21, 2019: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”

The Lord said to her in reply, “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.”

Reflection:

Again, a call to discipleship. I, too often feel sorry for Martha. Here she was laboring in the presence of the Savior while Mary sat listening to his instruction. Yes, instruction.

As disciples we are called to learn. Learn from the word of God. How can we be his witness if we don’t know him? When Jesus told Martha she was worrying too much, he was calling her to himself to instruct her in “the better part.” We are called to continue learning through the words of our Savior. We are Mary, the student.

Action:

The action this week is simple, but not easy. Spend 30 minutes each day in Lectio Divina (see below) or perhaps reading some lessons from the Fathers or Doctors of the Church. It’s hard to find the time most days, but as disciples we are called to this “continuing education.” I, too, have to stop worrying about “things” and come to the “better part.”

5 Steps of Lectio Divina

• Reading. Read a passage slowly and carefully within the bible.
• Prayer. Have a loving conversation with God.
• Meditation. Think deeply or dwell upon a spiritual reality within a text.
• Contemplation. Rest in Gods presence.
• Action. Go and do likewise.