St. Martha
theophilus July 29th, 2008
Today is the feast day of St. Martha. To me, she is always one of the most confusing stories of the Bible.
Here she is working her butt off and Mary is getting all of the attention. I’d be a little upset too. How many times have I been the one working my butt off and yet someone else gets the credit, attention or accolades? It’s just not fair.
And, then I remember that little problem of mine - I just can’t sit still. The reason I work so hard is because I can’t sit still.
My prayer life suffers as a result. I’ve tried mental prayer, only to lose focus when I notice one of the kids’ toys on the floor. I have to close my eyes when I pray the Rosary because something else always claims my focus. The only place I can truly focus on Christ is in Church and I don’t know if that’s because of the design of the church drawing my attention to the Crucifix and tabernacle, or if it’s Christ drawing my attention to him. In any case, I’m not the most contemplative of guys.
That’s why I like St. Martha. She reminds me that sometimes I just need to stop working and fidgeting around. I need to focus on Christ and have a real conversation with him, listening to him, understanding him. I have to realize that I can’t sanctify my work unless I allow Christ to reach me; and he cannot do so unless I slow down, stop what I’m doing, and listen in on the silence of my soul.
And maybe someday, I’ll stop noticing that red crayon grounded into the carpet when I’m trying to pray.
- Faith , Prayer , Saints
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If you do figure out how to keep the distractions away, send your hints my way.