Each week we'll highlight a current event or ongoing story from the world and reflect on it through the lens of the gospel. First check out the article linked below.
From NPR
Reflect and Act:
In the gospel this week Jesus is welcomed into the home of Martha and her sister Mary on his way down to Jerusalem from Galilee. While he is there, Mary sits at his feet listening to him teach while Martha attends to the needs of Jesus and her other guests. In the story, though, we are told that she is "worried and distracted" while doing this work of hospitality. It seems that Jesus comes to her at a time when she is feeling the stress and anxiety of trying to do too many things at once, or maybe having said yes to doing too much at the same time.
As we think about Jesus' words to Martha to focus on what is necessary, the article this week is about what can happen when we don't set boundaries in our relationships, both with individuals and with communities. Like Martha, we can often feel overwhelmed, distracted, and anxious when we overcommit or don't take the time we need for ourselves. This week, think about the ways you are in relationship with various people and communities in your life. Which of those feels overwhelming or draining? As you go into the world to work for justice and equity, how can you be clear about your boundaries so that you don't experience the anxiety and fatigue that comes with overcommitting?