21 July 2019
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
[In recalling our mortality] “we recognize that we need of doing something about the issues of our times, but not everything is possible. This is not a pessimism but a reminder that we are not gods and that is all right. The things we cannot do or cannot get around to doing are not in our hands. It is all right. When we depart this life, certainly much will left to be carried out. If God had wanted us to stay around to solve all sorts of obscure issues, He would have let us stay on to finish His work. And yet, it is a good thing to realize that there are myriads of things to be confronted or fostered by someone else, not us.” (James V. Schall, SJ “On Doing What We Can” in Priest, Lawyers and Scholars)
In the Gospel reading today Jesus reminded Martha that our mortality will bring to end the active life on earth. With the death of our body, we won’t be able to serve people or do any kind of corporal work of mercy. Jesus never condemned the active life and ministries, because they are good indeed, but there is a limit of what we can do. Martha is in fact a fast learner and she immediately picks up Jesus’ message. In Chapter 11 of John’s Gospel, Martha is the one who makes the confession about eternal life. After the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus told her that her brother will rise and she responded, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Then Jesus replied, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live…” Martha then replied to Jesus, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Thus, Martha immediately learns from Jesus that the “best” part will not be taken away from us in eternal life.
In your prayers today, listen to Jesus about the “best” part that will not be taken away from you? Or perhaps there is something that you want to do, but you cannot accomplish the mission because of physical limitation, age, or health. Do you find yourself to be limited in certain ways in your active life? Whatever you have in your heart, bring it to God and listen to what He says to you.