Don't be a Martha

Today's Gospel- Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

We live in a world of "Martha's" preoccupied with the material world. Our friends, coworkers and sometimes our family can oftentimes lead us to ignore our spiritual life in exchange for wealth and comfort. It happens as quickly as a flash of lightening. We wake up already panicking about the long list of self-imposed expectations, rather than offer God our morning prayers. Guilt about an unfinished project at work consumes our attention during Divine Liturgy, IF we attend at all. All the while God is calling out to us, you are worried and anxious about many things. ONE thing is needful. 

On this Feast of the Theotokos let your Mother, Our All-Holy Mother of God, whisper gently into your ear, "psst, go spend some time in Church. It is the one thing needful."

May the All-Holy Mother of God protect and guide you.