Yesterday the Church celebrated my patron saint, Saint Martha, the beloved friend of Jesus. I always anticipate the reflection on Martha from the Gospels, because as our chaplain at Mount Saint Joseph stated, ” Martha gets a bad wrap. She was just being practical.” I totally agree. I mean who would not have preferred to stop and set at the feet of the Master, but Martha was about being welcoming and hospitable. I loved the fact that Martha had such a genuine relationship with Jesus that she felt comfortable and free enough to be honest with Jesus. Thus, Jesus was also able to be honest with Martha because he said with LOVE, Martha, you are busy about many things (and I imagine Jesus to say, and I deeply appreciate it, what ever you are cooking smells delicious) but Mary has chosen the better part. I know as I hear that gospel, I always recall that there has to be a balance in our life.
St. Martha, I call upon your intercession, continue to walk with me in my journey in life and be evident in the ways I strive to be balanced, in prayer, in ministry, in time for myself, in time with community, in time with family, in time with friends. I fail most days, but you and Jesus know my desire. St. Martha, pray for me!