Daily Reflections - October 9,2012

COMBINING THE TWO SIDES

 

Today’s First Reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians gives us a glimpse of the old person that was Saul (who, upon that decisive moment on the road to Damascus, became the eventual Paul). He candidly narrates his conversion experience, as part of his apologia to the cynical Galatians. The Gospel, in the meantime, is none other than the familiar Martha-Mary episode.

Playing around a bit with the tandems, we immediately state our case: perhaps it need not be an “either-or” situation for both pairs. That is, for Saul-Paul and Martha-Mary, it can be more a question of combining the two aspects of both.

If we acknowledge our sinful past while at the same time open ourselves to the wonders wrought by the merciful grace of God; if we carry out our daily tasks and keep ourselves busy while at the same time allotting “one-on-one” quality time with God in prayer — this is, in a sense, combining the two poles or two aspects which are both valid anyway.

In the Gospel episode, it’s true that our Lord Jesus gave Martha quite a telling-off and that He praised Mary for having “chosen the better portion.” We do not deny this. Nevertheless, it is worth realizing that Martha’s contribution need not be hastily set aside.

She welcomed Jesus into her home and gave Him the courtesies of Jewish hospitality. She might have overrated her self-giving and misdirected her frustration, but she must have imbibed her lesson from Jesus eventually. In the other Gospel incident involving herself, Martha dramatically declared her faith in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-44). The untimely death of her brother Lazarus — who incidentally, was Jesus’ close friend — became for her an occasion to prove that she, too, did choose the better portion this time.

Would that we too might be able to combine and integrate our own life’s tandems! Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses? Take time now to accept them and allow them to lead to your wholeness.

 

Father, may Your light allow me to see myself as You see me. May I have the courage to accept my weaknesses and limitations and use them, too, for Your glory. Amen.