Pastor's Corner

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

The story told in today's Gospel (Luke 10:38-42) describes a common situation repeated millions of times daily in households all over the world. Whether it's siblings complaining about each other, parents complaining about children, or a spouse complaining about the other's inactivity, the theme is always the same: "Why don't you help me!" or more indirectly: "Tell him/her to help me!" Quite often there are solid reasons behind the complaint. But there may also be something else at work. So what makes this Gospel story special? Jesus was there and it became a teaching moment, and as such, it made its way into the Gospel of St. Luke. So we find Martha complaining to Jesus that Mary was not doing her share. Yet Jesus rebukes Martha about being "anxious and worried about many things" and challenges her to imitate Mary who "has chosen the better part."

Because this story is found in the Scriptures, it has been a great source of inspiration and reflection, and perhaps aggravation, for over 1900 years. Quite often Mary and Martha are used as examples of the greater importance of prayer versus activity. But this approach is an oversimplification. Perhaps we can look at this story in a way that teaches us to spend more quality time living in the present moment. Mary can teach us the importance of attentiveness, of paying attention to what is most important. Spending time with Jesus is certainly more important than the details of hospitality. In fact, spending time with the guest is the best way to show hospitality. Another application of this story is to remind us that so many of us have the tendency to define ourselves by what we do, and not by who we are. As a result, we often overburden ourselves with tasks that fulfill our own expectations of ourselves. And we resent others for not helping us in fulfilling the tasks we have imposed on ourselves. Finally, for some, activity becomes an escape from relationship. It is easier for some to do things for others rather than spending time with them when words of encouragement or affection are really what is needed.

It may be that one or more of the aforementioned human tendencies were at work in Martha. We can only guess. But for us the lesson is clear: we need to be more attentive to the present moment because that is where God is to be found. And that is what Jesus is telling Martha. In this point, religion and psychology intersect. Our saints, especially those who taught and wrote about the spiritual life, and psychologists who try to rescue people from the frenzied pace of contemporary living; agree on this course of action. For us who believe in Jesus, God is in the here and now. And living in God's presence is the only way to peace and happiness. May we learn this lesson well!

Msgr. Helmut Hefner