July 29. St Martha.  Jacob commented, “Between the different sodalities there is sometimes competition to do the most “charitable work.”  There are many Marthas in the church and in our families, good women, often older women, who cook and bake and clean and sew.   We all agree those are important and very necessary tasks.  And yet it seems as if Jesus put a higher value on non-material things. It doesn’t seem as if “the way to this man’s heart is through his stomach.” 

A woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.   She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to him.  Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, “Lord do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one.  It is Mary who has chosen the better part. It shall not be taken from her.   Luke 10:38-42  Pope Francis. Listening to the elderly tell their stories is good for children and young people. It makes them feel connected to the living history of their families. AL 193