Jesus: Our Model of Contemplation and Activism; Reflections on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lord, do you not care…?

The above concern, expressed to Our Lord in the form of a question, betrays Martha’s frustration over what seemed a nonchalant disposition of her sister, Mary. This question could resonate with many of us when we seem to be working all alone on what would have been considered a collective project. We may ask, “am I the only one in this parish?” “Why do I have to carry the responsibility alone?” “Am I the only child in the family?” “Why do I have to do the work alone?” “Am I the only employee?” “Why is X or Y not helping me?” It is sometimes easy to get distracted from doing the right thing, especially when we see others making little or no efforts at all. We often compare ourselves with others. And we look to others to validate our actions. While we could sometimes benefit from the example, praise and assistance of others, we must never let the absence of such support deter us from persevering in good works. We must not allow the action or inaction of others be the ultimate models for shaping our conduct. Jesus should be our model. Notice his response to Martha. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing…” The same Jesus, who told the lawyer in last weekend’s gospel reading to “Go do likewise” today shows Martha the proper way to do the right thing. He does not condemn activism, but teaches that activism should spring from contemplation. Acting for God takes its origin from and culminates in spending time listening to God and cultivating our relationship with him. Like some of you, I want to do so many things at the same time. But if I am honest to myself, not everything I want to do has the same priority. This awareness helps me to rank the items on my list in order of importance. For Christians, determining what is most important should be in light of the ultimate purpose of our existence. No matter the length of my to-do list, the right order will always be to have those items with eternal ramifications on the top and above those items with temporal ends. Jesus said to Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” The temporality of this life, with all its beauty, must never be lost on us. We must realize that just as temporal as earthly existence is, everything oriented to this world will pass too.

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you.