STEP #1: LECTIO / READLuke 10:38-42 Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “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.” STEP #2: MEDITATIO / MEDITATEToday on the memorial of St. Martha the Church gives us options for the Gospel...I chose Luke 10:38-42. In this familiar story we hear of the serving Martha and listening Mary, and the reminder from Jesus that Mary chose the better part. A gentle yet important point that listening is vital in each of our spiritual journeys. I write this very brief reflection in the quiet northwoods of Michigan, although a young man is mowing the lawn at our cabin as we speak. Jesus is always inviting us to sit at His feet like Mary did. It is refreshing, renewing, and I would dare to say required for our sanctification. Recent statistics show that Americans on average pray 8.4 minutes a day and only 9 percent even attempt to pray each day. Could this have anything to do with the drastic changes we see in our country today? Without a doubt! Jesus invites us to make ourselves accountable when we get too busy...slow down, put ourselves in a quiet place and simply listen to God. Jesus says, "whoever has ears ought to hear." Are we listening? STEP #3: ORATIO / PRAYYou are anxious and worried about many things. What about turning to God and listening? Read the gospel again and listen to what Jesus is telling you about your own life. What did you hear? STEP #4: CONTEMPLATIO / CONTEMPLATE"If today you hear my voice harden not your hearts." "(Insert your name) you have chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from you." FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY...Spend more than 8.4 minutes today asking Jesus to help you establish a more committed prayer life in order to listen to the Lord. SMARTPHONE LOCK SCREEN Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. John McNamara, priest of the Diocese of Rockford.
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