Saturday of the 4th week of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection

The story of Mary and Martha illustrates the need for a harmonious balance between active service and contemplative listening. While Martha is preoccupied with her many tasks, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice, highlighting the importance of taking time to connect with God amid our busy lives. Embracing both action and contemplation ensures that our efforts are grounded in a deep understanding of God’s will, leading to more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling service.

Jesus’ gentle correction of Martha underscores the significance of prioritising spiritual nourishment over daily anxieties and distractions. By choosing “the better part,” Mary demonstrates the value of dedicating time to absorb and reflect on Jesus’ words. This encourages us to regularly set aside moments for prayer, reflection, and listening to God’s voice, allowing His guidance to shape our actions and decisions. Fostering a habit of spiritual nourishment that can lead to greater inner peace and a clearer sense of purpose in our lives.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love.

– Saint Gianna Molla

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.