July 29. St Martha. Luncheon club members were part of many different church sodalities.  They discussed that between he 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. 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: A woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.  She had a sister called 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 is not to 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, their neighbourhoods and their country. AL193.  Their words, their affection or simply their presence help children to realise that history did not begin with them that they are part of an age old pilgrimage and that they need to respect all that came before them.   AL 192