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Martalismo – Luke 10:38-42

Recently, Pope Francis might have coined a new word when he cautioned his staff about contracting an illness he called “Martalismo.” He described it as an excessive busyness, a condition in which people are so immersed in work that they neglect what is more important.

He told his staff that neglecting necessary rest leads to stress and agitation. He encouraged them to spend quality time with their families and to respect holidays as a time to recharge body and spirit.

The pope might have coined a new word, but it is clear that he had a scene from Luke’s gospel in mind that tells about Martha being very busy with all the details of preparing a meal while Mary was in the other room listening to Jesus. She got so frustrated that she even asked Jesus if he was not concerned that Mary left her to do all the work! Jesus tells her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part.”

What Jesus was telling Martha was that spending time with her guest was more important than a fancy meal with all its details!

We can each ask ourselves if we too might be contracting “Martalismo.” Are we so busy making a living that we don’t really take time to live? Is our family so involved in so many activities, that some have become more of a burden than a life-giving event?

Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part. If we want to avoid “Martalismo,” we have to choose the better part, choose what really matters.

God bless.

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