05/10/2021

Jonah continues with his mission doing the work as God directed him. The Ninehvites from high to low accept the Word as preached by Jonah and the city is saved from destruction. Martha sees Mary's devotion to the Lord as a shirking of her household work.

That Mary has chosen the better part is seen by most commentators as Jesus' commendation of life lived out in prayer. Permanent prayer is a state of mind that can keep a  part of our being trying to touch the Eternal Freedom that is God. For centuries it has been accepted that those who are chosen to follow Mary's path need to be kept away from the World. The sinful attractions of the world are not the only source of distraction, however, for the legitimate task of keeping body and soul together can overwhelm us by its necessity.

"Give us this day our daily bread" is not only a petition for the Eucharist. As with all of Jesus' words it means what it says. Martha is not condemned but rather she and we are advised that prayer is the better part. Raising our minds and hearts to God is something we all need to do. It is the reason for all Being. 

Dear Lord help those who have accepted your call to a life of  service and prayer to maintain the fervour of their ordinations. Help me to be guided by the Love that is within me. Let me seek your Mercy that I too may be saved as were people of Ninevah.