Contemplation - New Evangelizers

“Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42

I’ve got a Martha mind that intrudes on my prayer time. When I want to connect with God, even when nothing particular is troubling me, my mind often does mental gymnastics. I’ve tried various things to slow my thoughts: deep breathing, slowly repeating a word or phrase, focusing on an object or picture. Sometimes they work. The other day, they didn’t.

So instead, I pictured myself welcoming Jesus into the Martha/Mary home of my heart. I imagined myself sitting at his feet, like Mary. I even leaned my head against his knee and relaxed. I gave myself permission to ignore Martha’s clamors and just listened to Jesus, like Mary did.

In the Gospel story, Martha appealed to Jesus. Maybe she had tried to get Mary’s attention, but as long as Mary focused on Jesus instead of Martha, Martha couldn’t distract her.

I didn’t have to pay attention to my Martha mind, either—even though she insisted. I sat there, at peace, listening to Jesus—only he didn’t say anything, and that was okay. Just being with him was enough. After a few minutes, as any good host would, I simply asked him what he wanted. He answered simply, too. One word. Kindness. That’s all my heart heard, but that was enough.

Prayer: Come into my heart, Lord.

Reflection: If you sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, what do you hear?

© Barbara Hosbach, 2016

Barbara Hosbach

Barbara Hosbach, freelance writer, is co-chair of the CJ Chapter of the Catholic Writers Guild and member of the Catholic Press Association. Hosbach’s articles have appeared in a number of Catholic periodicals. Her latest book, Your Faith Has Made You Well: Jesus Heals in the New Testament, explores what happened when Jesus healed and what it means for us today. Your Faith Has Made You Well: Jesus Heals in the New Testament and Fools, Liars, Cheaters, and Other Bible Heroes