July 21, 2013

First Reading – Genesis 18:1-10

It is difficult to believe that Sarah will still get pregnant in her old age, but Abraham held on to God’s promise.  A remarkable faith is what we all need in these trying times.   “There is nothing impossible with God” should be our mantra whenever difficulties and challenges face us.  But the opposite happens when we are faced with tribulations.  We completely forget to simply trust God, in fact, we forget God’s promise of Salvation and rely on our strength.  Thus, judging the situation hopeless.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:2-5

He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord

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Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

I had reflected on this scripture a lot of times, figuring out if I am a Mary or a Martha.  Often times until this moment, my honest answer would always be, “I am a Martha.”  I am concern about a lot of things.  So many things to do, so many bills to pay, so  many chores to finish, and the list goes on and on.  I have to remind myself every once in awhile to keep it simple and relax.  I have this habit of wanting it done now.  Having multiple kids challenged my priority.  It’s a constant battle between the need to do and the things I want to do for myself.

I thank God for having a husband who reminds me that the right thing to do will keep you grounded to simple things.  My stress comes from wanting to do it all or wanting what other people can do that I can’t.

I am also blessed with a friend, (her name is Sheila) who calls me from time to time to share her real life stories of simplicity and faith.  Her wisdom keeps me rooted to the truth.  She is so spiritual that she finds meaning in ordinary living.  Just last week, she called me up and I was telling her about my  concern about my son’s schooling and she uttered the following words.

What Sheila says:

• Standard is only between you and the Lord!  The world is full of confusing standards and if you will follow the world, you will get lost with it.
• He who builds something in anger is a fool, gentleness takes roots!  She said she read it in the book of Psalms, she just forgot the exact verse.  It really doesn’t matter.  I get the message.  This was brought out because I was telling her that I don’t have the gift of the Holy Spirit yet.  I easily yell and vent my anger.
• Struggles sets our priorities.  This one got me.  I was telling her about my struggle with time.  I pride myself with time management but I was having difficulties lately because I can’t seem to manage the kids. It reminded me of the book I’ve read or was it an audio book I’ve listened to, anyway the message was…You can’t deal with a person (especially kids) and say, “okay you have 15 minutes of my time, what is it that you want to do?”  You can manage your time, your chores, your job but not your love ones.  Sometimes you really have to sit down and talk and forget about time.  Easy for someone to say huh!  But yes, that should be the way.  You have to get lost in the present to totally give them your presence.  That’s what I tell my homeschooling kids when I’m with them, “I want full and undivided attention.”  Funny because that is my struggle with them all the time.  The reason why Sheila reminded me that struggle is good.  If you struggle with something, it sets your priorities.

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God our Father, I’m back to blogging my conversations with life.  I just want to spend this day celebrating the gift of life you have give me.  I want to remind myself that nothing is impossible with You.  How can I forget that simple truth when just waking up this morning is already a miracle.  Today, I am going to enjoy my family and give them my presence.  Thank you Lord for my blessings.  Amen.