St Martha, Mary and Lazarus
17th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 29th July 2022
1 Jn. 4:7-16; Ps. 33:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9,10-11;
Jn. 11:19-27 or Lk. 10:38-42 (Ps Wk I)
The Lord commanded Jeremiah to speak to the cities of Judah. It was not an easy message for Jeremiah to deliver. Unless all the people listened to the prophets and turned from their evil ways, the Lord would destroy them and their city. When Jeremiah delivered this message in the house of the Lord, the people gathered around him and threatened him with death. It is never easy to deliver such a message from God.
Martha was looking after the needs of their guests, and Mary was in the other room enjoying their company. Martha felt the burden of all the work as Mary was not helping with the kitchen chores. That was understandable, for we often are in that situation. But Jesus commended Mary for taking the time to be present with Him.
Who was doing the right thing – Mary or Martha? In our lives, it is a matter of balance. It is important to look after the physical needs of others and to make time to be present with them. It is our God-given right to be instructed by Jesus.
Lord, help me take the time to be in Your presence.
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