I like St. Martha a lot as she is portrayed in the gospels. Like her I am a bit of a spontaneous “doer” rather than a well-planned “thinker.” Summertime poses a particular challenge since so many folks where I live rush here and there, often leaving various “messes” to clean up or fix. I often do the cleaning and fixing, but sometimes with a fair streak of rash judgment in the process.
Here’s where Jesus’ response to Martha comes in handy: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; only one thing is required.” That “one thing” is to keep my eye on Jesus. In him and through him and with him there is nothing that can ever go wrong. Without him I will become a selfish mess, leaving lots of “stuff” for others to clean up and fix. Come, Lord Jesus!
—The Jesuit Prayer Team