(July 21, 2019) Lectionary: 108
Gospel: Luke 10: 38-42
Which response to God’s call is more natural to you—prayer or action? Why?
Ora et labora—pray and work.
This motto of St. Benedict is reflected in the typical daily schedule of a monastic community, which includes time for prayer and silence and time for work and community life.
Many of us who are raising families, running households, and working outside of the home do not have the luxury of adhering to a monastic schedule. Our time is spent in the car, on the run, making sure the homework is done, the dog is walked, the family is fed, and the lawn is mowed before the storm moves in. And yet Ora et labora invites us to pause and consider how we are spending the gift of time.
This Sunday’s Gospel reading makes me smile. I did not know it at the time, but my husband and I were married on the Feast of Saint Martha—July 29. The story of Martha and Mary is, in many ways, a reflection of our personalities. I am more the doer, prone to jump into action when the need arises. I think my “doing” tendencies go back to my parents’ example of always looking for ways to serve a neighbor, blessing someone who was going through tough times, making room at the table for family and friends, and being active members of their parish family. They mentored us into this way of life too. We look at the world, near and far, with eyes that recognize our neighbors’ needs, ears that hear the stories they share, and hands that are not afraid to work and serve.
But as I reflect on the Gospel, and on the question, I realize that my parents also raised us to take time to pray. My mother was the parish music minister, so we were naturally often at church, but beyond that, we did pray for neighbors, family members, the sick, victims of natural disasters, and others who asked for our prayers. My grandmother taught us by her example to let the news of the day guide us in praying for the world. To this day, my husband and I will watch the morning news and pray for those who are impacted by violence and natural disaster.
Over the years I’ve been more mindful of bringing prayer and work together throughout the day. As I fold laundry, I pray for my husband and for his day. As I prepare a meal for friends, I pray that our gathering will bring healing and joy to those who join us at the table. And as I begin a new project, I ask the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide me so that my work serves the needs of those who have invited me to write or present.
Ora et labora—pray and work.
In the week to come, think about Martha and Mary and how you are spending the precious gift of time.
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on the topics of prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. In addition, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.