Daily Reflection for Friday, July 29, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072922.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jeremiah 26:1-9
Responsorial: Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14
Gospel: John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“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.” Luke 10:41-42
Today’s reflection is on the second Gospel option, a story of Jesus visiting Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. I practiced meditation for several decades and every time I sat to meditate, it was obvious that I was anxious and worried about many things, just like Martha. In my efforts to be silent, to listen, and to “Be still and know that I AM God!” (Psalm 46:10), my mind would echo with many thoughts and worries. I needed to refocus on God and banish my fears and distractions. Only then could I be in His presence.
Jesus comes to her home, and Mary sits at his feet, listens to his words, and is present in God’s grace. When God is the absolute priority in our lives, everything else we worry about falls away.
If we reexamine Jesus’ response to Mary’s sister, he said: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.” In repeating Martha’s name, Jesus shows his affection for her. He is not criticizing her service of preparing a meal. He points out that she is anxious, worried, and distracted by His presence. Anyone who has tried silent meditation knows Martha is not alone in her distractedness. To be single-mindedly focused on God is saintly.
My heart breaks a little knowing we cannot be Mary and physically sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his words. But Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” We can sit at his feet in prayer and receive him in the blessed sacrament. And that is our message for today: to keep our focus on Jesus.
May the presence and peace of Jesus fill your heart and mind today.
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea