When Anxious Martha Takes Over

How do we maintain interior peace amidst the pressures of daily life? Dr. Sri explores the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, highlighting the difference between Martha's anxious state and Mary's centered state. He shares three practical ways to cultivate Mary's interior peace in our buys lives. 

Snippet from the Show

" We want to live a centered life, a life centered on the one thing necessary: Jesus."

Shownotes

We all encounter moments in life when the weight of our responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Balancing work, family, and personal growth can lead to stress and anxiety. In this week's gospel reading from Luke chapter 10, we find the story of Mary and Martha, which teaches us how to find peace amidst life's busyness.

Understanding Mary and Martha

In the story of Mary and Martha, Martha is depicted as anxious and troubled by many things. These feelings are not entirely unfamiliar to us; they're emotions we often face in our complicated lives, whether it's stress at work, family responsibilities, or personal struggles. Mary, on the other hand, is sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His word.

While it’s common to consider the story of Mary and Martha as representing two different states of life—contemplative and active—it's essential to see the deeper message. Jesus' response to Martha, highlighting her overburdened nature, points to an important truth: it's not what we do but how we do it that matters. Authentic hospitality and service are not merely about action but about the love and presence with which we carry out these actions.

The Scattering Temptation

The devil, whose title Diabolo translates to “scatterer,” seeks to distract and divide us. Instead of unity and focus, we frequently find ourselves pulled in numerous directions, like Martha, troubled by many things. Jesus teaches that only one thing is necessary—to remain centered in Him. This means anchoring our day in prayer and remaining connected to God throughout our daily undertakings.

Practical Tips for a Centered Life

1. Daily Prayer: Begin your day grounding it in quiet time with Jesus. This could be personal prayer, meditation, or Lectio Divina, creating a serene starting point before diving into your to-do list or checking your phone.
2. Recognize God’s Presence: Throughout your day, use simple practices to recall God's presence. Whether it’s a quick stop at an Adoration Chapel or a simple Hail Mary between meetings, these small actions tether our hectic lives back to God.
3. Reflect on Anxiety: When stress arises, use it as an opportunity to ask yourself why. Understanding the root of your anxiety can often lead you back to Jesus, recognizing perhaps you’re seeking something other than Him. Trusting God’s plan over our own can alleviate these burdens, offering peace and clarity.

Dr. Sri's Events List (2025)

• Aug 2-5: Grand Getaway - Mackinac Island, MI
• Sept 13 - Marriage Weekend - Fort Collins, CO
• Sept 20 - Eucharist Encounter - Tampa FL
• Aug 9: Emmaus: Diocesan Family Conference - Gary, IN
• Oct 8: Legatus - Jacksonville, FL
• Oct 11 - Love and Responsibility Conference - Los Angeles CA
• Oct 13-15 - Madison WI
• Oct 22-24 - Missionaries of Charity - Memphis TN