REFLECTIONS TODAY

“Adulting” has become a buzzword among those transitioning from college life to work and family life. The word speaks of the shock of young people upon realizing how much effort is needed to be able to survive “real life.” The brain cannot simply process the many tasks to be done, tasks which are essential and cannot be simply put off or neglected. There are many expenses for which one must provide. Suddenly, one feels greater responsibility to family and kin. Welcome to the grind. Welcome to “adulting.” In the Gospel, Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, has this experience. Her mind is set on the many tasks that must be attended to. She voices out that Mary ought to share in the work of providing hospitality. Jesus reminds her that in the midst of the hustle and bustle, there stands a matter of greater importance to be given priority. Sitting by Jesus and listening to the Word of God is more important than attending to his personal needs. We may have much work to do, but prayer and reflection should always be the source of our strength in finishing what we ought to accomplish.

FIRST READING • Ex 24:3-8

When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the Lord, they all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the Lord has told us.” Moses then wrote down all the words of the Lord and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the children of Israel to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord, Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the Lord has said, we will heed and do.” Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”

Gospel • John 11:19-27 [or Luke 10:38-42]

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died.] When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*