Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Homily:

I recall a Sunday some years ago that started in the worst possible way. A breakdown occurred on Saturday night and a waterfall of blame was coming top-down, with full force and intent to crush. I remember taking my bath that Sunday morning with thoughts of how I needed to react to the flood of emails that were pouring into my box and then I recalled the above passage. I had planned before that day to go to church, but the exchanges from the night before had made me unconsciously decide otherwise.

This breakdown was neither new nor unique. Jumping right back into the office was more about my ego than anything else. I needed the space that going to church would bring. I needed to unplug, I needed silence, and I needed calm.

I consciously decided to re-prioritize self above ego.

So I changed the clothes and safety boot I had put on for work and put on my clothes and slippers for church, got into my car and drove to church. I was not going to church to attend mass, I was just going there to be with God. God is everywhere, I know, but sometimes we need to leave a familiar environment to disconnect from familiar anxieties. As I got to church, it just felt like a heavy load left my shoulders. I sat there in silence, not in the building, but at a quiet place and I just smiled. No thoughts, no expectations, no debates, just a smile and a light body.

When I returned home that day, I found no need to engage anyone trying to lure me back in with emails. I just ate and slept. The noise just disappeared. The emails just stopped. The processes just stabilized. Work was involved, but it was no longer with a struggle. I connected that day to the good portion, and it made the difference.