In the gospel of this 16th Sunday, we can discern two forms of spirituality as symbolized by the two sisters Martha and Mary.

The busybody Martha symbolizes action or work, while Mary represents contemplation or prayer.

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According to the gospel, Martha is so upset and preoccupied about preparing a nice meal. She has become high-strung, and even snaps at Jesus! I’ve always been amused of Martha how she even brashly orders Jesus, saying, "Lord are you not concerned that my sister has left me all alone to do the household tasks? Tell her to help me." Martha’s dealing with the Lord sounds like that of a “mulier fortis.”

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Jesus did not lose his temper and could have shot back: “Don’t you know whom you’re ordering?”

Instead, Christ gently reproves her saying: "Martha, Martha! You fret and worry about so many things, but just one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better portion" (Lk 10,41).

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The Lord's statement obviously does not mean contempt for her household preoccupation nor her material concern. Christ is taking the opportunity to teach the busybody Martha — and present-day Christians — that we should not forget or neglect what’s “more important,” that is, our spiritual commitment. Jesus had said this before: “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

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There are many people who practice what Jesus said about “doing the better part.” Jeriel Solibio, a migrant worker in Aramco, Saudi Arabia, wrote to me, “Father, I always catch your 5 a.m. Family TV Mass here in Saudi even if I have to wake up early at 4 a.m. Then I proceed to my work. I find the Mass and God’s Word as a spiritual food and strength.” Many Filipino migrants in Saudi do the same.

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Then there’s a lawyer, Atty. Rolly Domingo who’s a member of the San Pablo Apostol Marriage Encounter Community.

After office hours in Makati, he goes home to fetch his wife from Valenzuela, Bulacan then proceed to Marikina where they attend their evening Mass and prayer meeting. Imagine the sacrifice he has to make, picking up his wife finding his way through the horrendous “Thank-God-it’s-Friday” traffic.

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As the Lord said to Martha what matters most, “Martha, Martha! You fret and worry about so many things, but just one thing is needed” — time with the Lord and harmonize our action and contemplation.

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The lighter side: Employee: Sir, do you pray? Manager: Walang oras (no time). E: Do you go out with your family for bonding? M: Walang oras. E: Do you go to church with your family? M: Walang oras. E.: Do you go out drinking with barkada? M: Walang oras!

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Thank you — A donor of our “Adopt A Seminarian” educational program wrote: "My sons have no vocation to the priesthood so I might as well help others become priests."

Dear readers, how about donating any amount for the schooling of our seminarians or sponsor good for one year? Email: [email protected].