July 17, 2022

In this weekend’s gospel from Luke, we have the familiar story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who are both friends of Jesus. They are the sisters of Jesus’ friend Lazarus, and Jesus would often spend time in their home. Luke lets us in on several revelations about Jesus, evident in how he treats Martha and Mary. Martha speaks to hm like a friend, indeed she tells Jesus what to do. "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Jesus tells Martha not to be worried and anxious, that Mary has chosen the better part. What is the better part that Mary has chosen?

First, Mary has left the expected role of servant woman, and has taken the posture of a disciple, only reserved for men. Jesus tells Martha that he does not stand on the conventions of the time, and that Mary has chosen the better part. Mary has also chosen to listen to the words of Jesus, and respond to what he says. A powerful posture for us to consider. How often do we take this posture, and listen for what Jesus wants us to do? Do you know what it is like to sit home and wait for the phone to ring, awaiting news, good or bad? Maybe you are waiting to hear that someone has arrived at their destination, maybe that someone has gotten home safely. Maybe you are waiting for exciting news, that new life has been born into the family, or sad news that someone has this life for the next. And when we get the news, what is our response? Do we thank God for the good news, for the new life, for the life well lived? If we are busy and distracted like Martha, we may miss the opportunity for thanks. If we are listening for the word of God like Mary, then our first response might must be thanks. Meister Eckhart, the Dominican Mystic, says that if the only prayer you ever say is thank you, then that is enough. How do we measure up to that standard?

July 3, 2022

These are the commandments Deacon John had in his homily this past weekend:

Try these commandments for leaving the regrets in the past

1. Pat yourself on the back for what you have done not only seeing what you failed to do.

2. Let someone help you, even if they don’t do things the way you like, it may be their way of loving their neighbor

3. Do something nice for someone just because it is the right thing to do. Do it anonymously if you can.

4. Before you answer when angry, allow yourself to think, “what is the loving response to this?”

5. Share more of what you have with those most in need. We all have enough to share.

6. Look for the very best in your children, especially when they are at their worst.

7. Look for the very best in your parents, especially when thy are at their worst.

8. Decide what you need to leave in the past and never bring up to hurt someone again.

9. Allow someone to share their wealth, or their time, or their insight with you. Stop being the one who needs to have and know it all.

10. Allow for the possibility that someone else may be nearly as perfect as you.