The Feast of Saint Martha and my new job

I’ve made some changes in my life recently or should I say the Lord made some changes in my life.

I quit my job which allowed me to attend daily Mass (something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time). It has also allowed me to get in the habit of writing every day. Sometimes I just make notes in a small notebook about the readings at Mass or what the priest had to say and other times it turns into whole blog posts. Every once in a while it’s a random idea that I jot down. Of course, if I don’t write it down immediately, well … some of you know how that goes.

The other day was the Feast of St. Martha (July 29, Luke 10:38-42). That often told story is dear to my heart. I always identify with Mary because I’ve never been one to fuss over the food and house. I’d rather be with my guests. When anyone offers to help clean up, I tell them it can wait.

Fr. James Sullivan has a wonderful perspective on this story in the Magnificat magazine:

“in our own Christian lives we, like Martha, can become very busy in doing things, but sometimes it is a busyness that only distracts us from the Lord, whom we believe ourselves to be serving. Jesus desires Martha’s service to be done for the sake of the other and not for any sense of superiority within herself. Martha’s anxiety and worry may create motion and movement, but they can never generate peace, nor truly be at the service of mercy.”

When I was working, I was very distracted. Over time, it got worse. I prayed (sometimes in the bathroom!) this prayer from the Laudate app:

“My heavenly father, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me.
I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy and your perfect order into my work.
I acknowledge your power over all that will be done, spoken, thought and decided within these walls.
Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with.
I commit to use them responsibly in your honor.
Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.
Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy, so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.

Lord, when I am confused, guide me.
When I am weary, energize me,
When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all that come in contact with today.
And oh Lord, When I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.
Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.
Lord, I thank you for everything you’ve done, everything you are doing, and everything you are going to do.
In the name of Jesus I pray with much love and thanksgiving.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

Now you might say that since I quit my job, the prayer wasn’t answered, but I can’t tell you how many days this prayer got me through my work day. It was only the last two weeks that the scripture verses came into my head and I knew that I had to leave.

I could say that I am unemployed, but Melanie Rigney was generous to comment on one of my blog posts, "Ah, but you are employed... by the Lord.”

I think I’ll like my new job. This one is for life.