THE BETTER PART

 Sometimes we feel guilty about something that we didn't directly or indirectly cause. Or we feel responsible for the actions of other people especially those who are close to us. We must keep in mind that we are not supposed to own the decisions and actions of other people since there are certain limits to this and must know up to where our responsibilities extend. In the same way we must not blame other people for things we ourselves have caused. We must be brave enough to accept the consequences of our actions and not point fingers. We have to be clear about these things for God said that sins will be punished accordingly in its appointed time. So while we still have the time let us see to it that everything is in the right order before it gets too late.

Exodus 32:15-24. 30-34

...So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Ah, this people has indeed committed a grave sin in making a god of gold for themselves! 32 If you would only forgive their sin! If you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written.” 33 The LORD answered, “Him only who has sinned against me will I strike out of my book. 34 Now, go and lead the people whither I have told you. My angel will go before you. When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

We should always keep in mind that if Moses was able to turn back God's anger and withhold His destructive wrath how much more Jesus His only begotten Son who suffered, was obedient to the point of death on the Cross and gave Himself as ransom to redeem us from all our sins. Let us not forget even for a second nor neglect this truth every single minute, hour and day of our lives that we have been ransomed, saved and redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus. Our little gods and idols can not do anything for us. They are useless and stupid things. How foolish we can be as a people of God  to do such things and be off track by turning away from where the Lord has pointed out. A lot of terrible things happen when we forget. Important and significant events in our life should always hold a special place in our hearts. We must not ignore those times when we had those special moments with the Lord. These will serve as a constant reminder to us and would definitely help us remain faithful to the Lord. Our memory of this, though very wonderful to forget may sometimes become dull or fade in the background when we are beset by the present and daily cares of this world. We may eventually lose the awe and wonder that we used to feel about it as time passes most especially when we encounter trials and difficulties. Today's psalm tells us to always remember, never forget and always tell our story of the goodness of God. Let us not forget and be mindful always of the love of God. Sometimes when things don't turn out the way we wanted or expected we get sidetracked by the realities of this world then we start to immediately or slowly lose sight of the goodness of God. No matter what our situation is we must not forget that God saved us, had done great and wondrous deeds and He alone has the power to make things happen and not happen in our lives. We have to be in a relationship with the only true God. If there's something we really need to be thankful to God for bringing us to life at this present time that is the fact that we have a glorious background that we can always draw strength, hope and inspiration. We need to focus on this and be aware that we've got so many things in this present life to look back to and be blessed. The timeline of our salvation history demonstrates God's persistent and consistent effort to win our hearts and be in a relationship with us. Not to forget that after Jesus, the saints followed which added to the color of this long time running declaration and evidence of God's great love for us. It's been quite a while already that He has been waiting for our answer much more than a suitor offering his pledge of love to his lady. We should never doubt any single moment that God is good all the time and all we need to do is just give thanks to Him no matter what our circumstances may be. Let us always remind ourselves of the good things God has done in our lives. Let us always count our blessings instead of focus on the negative things. We are constantly reminded in the readings today to always work for the things that win the favor of God. It's not because of any selfish motive but because what we do is born out of great love for the Lord. God calls us to repent and live a new life. There's one very important thing that we should be guided with. We always have to keep in mind that a repentance born out of fear will never last but repentance born out of love will last. We should always keep in mind the great love of God for all of us. Our Lord's instructions are very simple and easy to understand. It is in the following and obeying part that we find difficulty in doing. Let us always focus our eyes on the Lord and remember to follow and keep what the responsorial psalm tells us if we intend to live a blessed life not just in the beginning but to the end. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23

R. (1a) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Our fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image; they exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. R. They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea. R. Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath. R.

Everything really happens for a reason and we have to take seriously the call or mission that God is entrusting to us. This invitation is not just for Martha whose name Jesus called twice in today’s gospel. God have been calling us not just twice but many times. It's time we respond to the call by choosing the best part. Every day of our lives we are confronted with choices and decisions that we have to make. Whether it is big or small, major or minor and high or low impact it is in our disposition in relation to it that makes all the difference. If we have made a choice or a decision then we have to stand by it and be at peace with it.  Most especially if we know that we have consulted to God all our plans and humbly obeyed then nothing should ever bother us. Let us be reminded through the gospel today that worry and anxiety is not a composition of a decision or choice made within the presence and will of God. Just like Mary we should also find ourselves beside the Lord at His feet listening to Him speak. It is with genuine peace, calm and serenity that we should conduct our affairs. In doing so we acknowledge that God has always been guiding and directing us every single step of the way.  We should realize the importance of bearing the fruit of peace and self control rather than anxiety and worry which arose from the burden of Martha's service. We are all guilty of being just like Martha at times when we succumb to worry and anxiety not focusing our attentions on Jesus instead. Service pleases God and is important in order to grow in our relationship with Him but we should maintain a balance that we must not neglect what's most essential, end up with misplaced values and defeating the good end/purpose for which it was intended. May we all come to the point where we too, like Mary can comfortably sit and listen attentively to Jesus in the midst of our busy world. She is not bothered by its concerns, made the right choice and blessed with the better part as spoken by Jesus. We need to get over the things that hinder us from fully experiencing the best that can never be taken away. We need to know what our options are and choose well. If we have found the contentment and confidence that Mary developed in Jesus brought about by the right choices that she made then we can be assured that it will not be taken away. Amen. Hallelujah! 

Luke 10:38-42

...Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” 41 The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 42 There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”