First Reading: Jon 3:1-10; Psalm: 130. R. v. 3; Gospel: Lk 10:38-42

WHY ANXIOUS AND TROUBLED ABOUT MANY THINGS?

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

‘But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things . . .”’ (Lk 10:41).

When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, his passion in Jerusalem was very close. Jesus knew what awaited him in Jerusalem and supposedly should be troubled and weighed down. But when he entered the home of the holy family of Bethany on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus calmly sat down and was speaking to them. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching. But Martha was distracted doing the cooking and serving. Ordinarily, Martha was doing the right thing that anyone would do when hosting a visitor. But Jesus’ gentle rebuke suggests otherwise.

We can go beyond a literal understanding of this passage to seeing Martha’s busyness as ‘going over the top.’ This was why Jesus opted to say that Martha was distracted with much serving than acknowledging that she was busy. The demands of life can often distract us from seeing how very close God is to us. If there is anyone in the gospel of today who should be worried or distracted by what is and what is to come, it should be Jesus. But Jesus exuded trust and reliance on God in his composure.

We must acknowledge that we all are distracted with the troubles of life time and again. We worry about so many things; like what to eat, shelter, job, family, and many other present and future needs. It is not wrong to think about these things but not when we go over the top in doing it. This is what Jesus frowns at. We should not give God a second place and prioritise our troubles over God. If we acknowledged that God is with us, we would worry less and listen more to him in faith and trust. Think, plan, and work. But in all things, God must take the lead.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may we grow in faith and trust in you. Amen.