My hometown parish features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting various stories from the gospels.  When I was a young girl my favorite window to sit near and explore was the window featuring Martha and Mary during the visit of Jesus to their home.  I found solace in the images of strong women relating to Jesus and I could easily put myself in the scene which is now what I understand to be Ignatian contemplative prayer.

Many times, when I hear the story from today’s gospel from Luke, I relate to Mary who is so willing to drop everything to listen to the teaching of Jesus.  I love Jesus and his wisdom.  But as I continue to pray with today’s gospel, I begin to realize that being like Mary is aspirational as I tend to be live my life more like the responsible, multi-taking Martha.  As I write this reflection on this beautiful autumn day with the sun shining through the window, I  also have a grocery list next to my chair, my calendar is open to the week’s activities, and I have a timer set to remind me to move the sprinkler to a new location in my yard to make sure my trees and shrubs are prepared for winter.

In today’s reading from Jonah, we hear the story of God sending Jonah to Ninevah to warn the residents to turn away from their evil ways or their city will be destroyed.  The residents and the King heard Jonah, turned away from their evil ways, and began to fast.  Their earnest actions saved them from the wrath of God. The many activities in my life that pull me away from hearing the word of God and from being present to others could be described as evil. 

Just like Martha, I might be a bit too distracted by my responsibilities..... let’s rephrase that:  I AM too distracted.  We know that multi-tasking is counter-productive and there is great joy in staying in the moment.  I wonder how my I can hear the gentle coaxing of Jesus to stop and truly listen.  While the preponderance of email messages can add to our list of responsibilities, I always appreciate receiving an email from my friend Sister Candice Tucci as she has this message from Cynthia Boourgeault at the end of every email she sends:  “The Spiritual life can only be lived in the present moment, in the now... When we go rushing ahead into the future or shrinking back into the past, we miss the hand of God, which can only touch us in the now.”

Today’s readings challenge us to look at our own priorities.  I pray with these questions:  When do I get too caught up in the details of life forgetting to focus my thoughts and my actions on what is truly important, the word of God?  How can I gently and respectfully invite others to step away from life’s trivial worries that get in the way of living in God’s grace?  How can I show someone that I truly see them and am interested in learning about their gifts?  When do I hear God’s voice in the busyness of my daily life?

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.