Another Reflection on Today's Gospel Reading

In oday's "Daily Ignatian Reflection" from the Magis Institute, Mr. Joseph Simmons, S.J., provides another reflection on today's Gospel reading:

Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.  We are confronted in this Sunday's Gospel with one of Christ's stingingly simple truths: no amount of our fretting, fussing, or toiling will earn God's love.

I remember well the weekend I entered the Jesuit novitiate back in 2006.  A second-year novice and now dear friend introduced us new men to the ins and outs of the community kitchen.  He pointed out several small tasks that needed to be done daily - refilling the orange juice pitcher, wiping down the counters, cleaning the food trap in the dishwasher, etc.  Don't expect thanks for these deeds here, he cautioned.  Instead, he wryly offered, "your reward will be another jewel in your crown in heaven." We fifteen first-year novices laughed at this. Surely pettiness would not set in with such a good, generous group!

Anyone who has lived in community, or with a family, knows the sundry day-to-day chores and tasks that need attention to keep a home running smoothly.  And anyone with Martha-like tendencies knows how easy it can be to become petty, resentful, and frustrated when we compare our output with others'.  "I'd love to take a break, Lord, but if I don't do this, no one will," we tell ourselves, toiling with quiet indignation.  "I'd have time to pray if other people pitched in here and there."

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.

In the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, we learn that the Enemy of human nature knows how to discourage us by twisting our good desires.  Like many Christians who desire to serve God and neighbor, Martha's sense of duty and charity turn sour when she compares her devoted service with Mary's apparent sloth.  Are there petty fixations or comparisons with others that block that 'better part' of sitting with Jesus?  Do any of our good works get twisted, becoming obstacles to charity and devotion?

Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.  Jesus' invitation to Martha, as it is to us today, is to hold our daily work and toils - even what is necessary - in a healthy balance with that 'better part'.  Do we do works out of generous freedom, willing to rest with the Lord when He calls?  What is the Lord inviting me to this Sabbath?