So, last week we heard how Moses told the people of Isreal that the commandments of God are already in their mouths and their hearts and not some far away place. All they had to do was, “carry them out”.  And then in the Gospel last week, Jesus tells the scholar the Good Samaritan parable. At the end, when Jesus asked who was the neighbor to the injured man, the scholar answered: “The one who treated him with mercy.”  And Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise.” 

The main point in these passages is action: to do the things we are called to do. Helping those in need and loving each other as God loves us. Action is the point in today’s readings as well. But it is the spirit in which we perform these actions that I think is what we should focus on.

In our first reading, we see hospitality from Abraham and Sarah to three men, these strangers who were traveling. This reading starts with: “The LORD appeared to Abraham”. And the three men are said to be the Trinity. Abraham knows the importance of these men as he bows before them. We know that God is always providing gifts to us. Abraham and Sarah’s selfless act of hospitality does not go unnoticed or unrewarded as God makes the promise to Sarah of becoming a mother.

In our Gospel, we see two types of actions. The first is Martha, busy trying to be a good host. Wanting to serve her guests. Martha knows the importance of Jesus as she calls him Lord. 

As we go deeper in the Gospel, we start to see differences between Abraham and Martha and three words give us a clue. 

The first is burden. Martha was burdened with serving. Maybe because she was the only one doing anything where Abraham had Sarah and his servant to help him. The second and third words come from Jesus; Martha is anxious and worriedabout many things. Martha’s words to Jesus are focused on herself and the work she has to do and Jesus recognizes it.

So, when you try to get things done, what is your mindset? Do you load up the day with tasks and focus on getting each done, knowing they don’t all have to be done on that day? Do you feel burdened and what you are doing is not enjoyable? Do you get anxious because there is so much to do, you are worried you will never get it all done? Do you get mad if no one is helping you? How often do you take your tasks to Jesus and ask him if this is what he wants you to be doing? 

Don’t get me wrong – it is okay to have a plan to get things done, and it is great to want to serve others. By our Baptism, we are called to serve. But your daily plan must include actions like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. It is a critical task for  your faith and salvation. You won’t know God’s plan for you if you do not spend time with him and ask and listen.  

Jesus tells Martha: “There is need of only one thing.” That thing is unity with God. That is what God wants with us. He does not want us to be busy but wants us to be doing what he has called us to do. We need to let go of the things or actions in our life that keep us from a closer relationship with God. The more united we are to Christ, and surrender ourselves to the will of the Father, our worries and anxieties will subside, and we will be joyful in the tasks we perform. Even if some of those tasks are difficult. Jesus has the answer to everything, so we should be in constant contact with him. 

My challenge for you this week is to look at your schedule and see how much time you have with Jesus. If there is not a lot of time, look to rearrange your schedule to make time for him. For parents with kids at home, include them in your plans. Show them the importance of time with Jesus. We are blessed to have the Adoration chapel and there is no better time spent than at the feet of Jesus in the chapel. If you can’t make it there, find time at home in front of a Crucifix. Give Jesus your time and attention, your worries, and your questions. You can use formal prayers or be like Martha using your own words to ask for his help. When you come to Mass, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you when he rescued you from death and sin. Then allow his love to wash over you as you are united with him in Holy Communion.   

Put yourself in Martha’s shoes. Is Jesus telling you that you are anxious and worried about many things. If you are, reflect on his words: “There is need of only one thing.”  Don’t let life take away from you the one thing you need.