9 Oct
Tue
27th Week in Ordinary Time
SS Denis, Bishop and Companions, Martyrs, St. John Leonardi, Priest.
Gal.1:13-24
Ps.138(139):1-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
Lk.10:38-42
(Ps Wk III)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

Usually there is some confusion when we meditate upon today's Gospel passage. On one side it happens that we oppose "good" Mary to 'bad' Martha. On the other side we wonder why Jesus didn't show appreciation and compassion to hard-working Martha.

However it is true that Jesus gently admonished Martha for her unnecessary worries; nevertheless we can't say that He didn't appreciate her love and hospitality. Jesus rather showed to Martha the better way of honouring Him as her guest; His way was chosen by Mary.

We can say that Martha and Mary represent two different stages of spiritual life. The first one that has Martha as its role model wants to give to God as much as possible. It focuses on someone's gift to God. It is the way that expresses itself through the works of mercy and penance, through prayer and devotion, through the very active involvement in Church life.

The second stage of spiritual life is represented by Mary. We enter this stage when we realize that Jesus has much more to give to us than we may offer to Him. We follow the example of Mary when we deeply understand that Jesus desires our hearts more than our gifts. There is a great peace in our hearts when we are no more preoccupied with ourselves but we are totally open to God's word and His grace.



Lord, I thank You for the wonder of my being for the wonders of all Your creation.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countires.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2012. All rights reserved.