A Few Words On "The Word"

July 22, 2007
The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Luke 10:38-42

Slow It Down

Have you ever been so busy that you actually forgot what it was like to just slow down and spend an afternoon reading a book? Maybe you know people who are always on the go, moving from one task to the next in an attempt to get things done. Because of our results-oriented culture with its emphasis on individual independence, our to-do lists and calendars are frequently full. We're often so intent on finishing a task or reaching a goal that we focus solely on ourselves, forgetting those around us.

Being busy definitely isn't always a bad thing. Actually, it's not healthy to just sit at home all day, watching TV or playing video games. It's good to have goals and be part of a team, club, or organization. However, it's easy to be carried away and get caught up in our seemingly endless list of tasks.

Today's gospel provides an interesting example of someone who gets a little carried away in their effort to finish a certain task. Jesus is visiting his good friends Martha and Mary. Martha busies herself preparing a meal and serving in the way a good hostess probably should while Mary sits listening to Jesus. It comes as no surprise when Martha angrily asks Jesus to make Mary help her with the work. However, Jesus admonishes Martha pointing out that Mary has chosen to do the better thing.

Martha isn't truly doing something bad; she's being hospitable, which is a good thing. She's trying to serve Jesus in the way that comes most naturally to her. Nonetheless, Jesus wants us to ask ourselves a question: Is it more hospitable to spend time with a guest or to be distracted by various hospitable duties?

When we really start to think about it we realize that being a good host by providing certain pleasures isn't what's important in the long run - people are. We can get so caught up in our list of things to do that we forget to see the person in front of us. We fail to realize that being a good host also involves spending time with our guests.

Despite his busy schedule Jesus never overlooked the person standing right in front of him. All people, with their unique characteristics, talents, and needs are far more important than tasks. We can't become so focused on our own lives and schedules that we fail to see the people in need all around us. We must consciously choose to notice the people around us and respect them enough to be present in their lives, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Reflection Question

In what ways do you take time out of your busy schedule to truly listen to the people you encounter?

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