Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
December 4, 2002
Martha and Mary: A story for Advent
By Bill Zalot
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament has become a part of my weekly routine. Whether I set aside an hour or two, part of my Wednesday afternoon is blocked out for a visitation. Transportation arrangements I can make in any given week dictates how long I stay. The time I have there also plays a part in the materials I bring with me to the church. Each year at this time I ask myself a question "What is Jesus saying to me as Advent approaches this year?"
In what ways do I need to change? Can I get a clue from the word of God? There are many stories in the Bible that ask us to be still and wait on our blessed Lord. My disability doesn't make me an exception to that rule, unlike Disney World where I could go to the front of the line, with God I must wait my time.
One of my favorite stories in all of sacred Scripture is the story of Martha and Mary. The tale is beautifully told in Luke 10:38-42. For me the story symbolizes how so many of us approach the season of Advent. The two individuals in Luke's story represent two types of people and the way they approach the holiday.
Advent, like Lent, is a time of penance. Advent is a time to prepare for Christ's second coming. By being made busy with buying the perfect gifts, selecting the perfect tree, cooking the perfect meal, we can all get caught up in the commercialism of the season and lose sight of this special time the Church sets aside for spiritual preparation for Christ's triumphant return.
Martha was like many us when an important guest is about to visit our home. Like her, we are caught up in the moment. Our narrow vision won't let us look beyond the small details of making everything perfect for the visitor expected to arrive at our door.
Due to my position in life I can't afford to give lavish gifts to even family members at Christmas. I carefully plan each gift for each member and buy them their Christmas presents throughout the year. In doing this I finish Christmas by mid-November and truly as Mary, the sister of Martha did, (when Christ visited their home), I like Mary, can give my time of Advent to listen to His word. In the process, I can learn His will for my life.
I can clearly hear Jesus say, "Martha, Martha you are concerned about many things. There is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part. And for this she will not be denied" (Luke 10:41-42).
We could think about doing as Mary did. Perhaps we could spend time before the Blessed Sacrament this Advent. We can then listen to what Jesus is saying in the quiet of our hearts and act upon it. What we hear Jesus telling us to do this Advent in the hours we spend with him can change our own lives and truly impact the lives of others.
Have a blessed Advent.
Bill Zalot is a free-lance writer and a lifelong member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Levittown, Pa.
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