Category: active and contemplative life

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Choosing The Better Part

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C): Luke 10:38-42

 

Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her. – Luke 10:42

This Sunday’s Gospel is very brief. It tells its story in just a few lines.  Yet, this short story has made many people uncomfortable through the centuries, as it makes us uncomfortable now.  We naturally relate to Martha, who is busy with all the practical details of hospitality. We feel for her plight, and we are puzzled and irritated by Jesus’ response to her – a response that seems to favor her sister Mary, who – to our eyes – appears to be doing nothing of any practical worth. Continue reading “Choosing The Better Part”

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“Pro Orantibus” Day

Today, November 21, is the feast of the Presentation of Mary. It is also “Pro Orantibus” Day – a day set aside, since the time of Pope Pius XII, to honor, support and pray for those whose vocation is to pray for the Church and the world. The focus on this day is mainly on cloistered orders of religious women and contemplative orders of religious men. It also includes hermits, who are called to separate themselves from the world in order to live lives of prayer and penance for the sake of all.   Continue reading ““Pro Orantibus” Day”