Priority

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Priority

Christ Within

Cultivating   Nurturing   Relationship

Need Only One Thing

Word

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 10: 41 and 42

Jesus said to Martha,

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about a lot of things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has discovered the better part, and no one can take it from her."

Reflection

Every once in a while, it is good to take a step back from the hectic pace of our lives and evaluate our priorities. Who are the people and what are the issues that I should be emphasizing every day? Have I gone off track in my relationships and my values?

It is easy to do. We can get caught up in trivia and lose sight of what is truly important in our lives. We become angrier and more irritable.

When we start to reflect and examine what is going on in our hearts, we discover the Christ that is within us. Jesus comes to bring us peace. he wants to connect with us and lead us to rediscover our priorities.

Jesus helps us to cultivate the garden of our soul. We can pull out the weeds that are threatening to take over. We can enrich the soil of our relationships. We can trim the branches of our distractions.

In doing that we are nurturing our relationships with Jesus, our family, and our friends. We become more aware of others and eager to listen to them. We are not caught up as much in our own worries and problems. Our burdens seem lighter.

In our reading from Luke, Martha has gotten caught up in the tasks that she needs to do. They are important---the meal has to be prepared. It is a sign of the love Martha has for Jesus. When we have a guest for dinner, we like to share something special. 

Jesus reminds Martha of the better part. The meal is good but listening to Jesus is better. When we sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer, we discover the way to Peace and 
Love.

Our life now has direction. We find our priorities. Our concerns, while still with us, do not seem as overwhelming. We are assured that Jesus will help us with them.

Jesus is the Word of God dwelling with us and within us. Can there be any better priority?

1. Do you find it helpful to take time to reflect on your priorities?

2. How do you know when your life is off track?

3. What role does Jesus play in helping you discover your priorities? 

4. Why do you think that Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part?

5. What do you see as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)