Where's the Fire?

The London fire department was called to douse a chimney fire in Luton Hoo, a stately mansion. Arriving, they saw two hundred chimneys. When they finally found the right one, the fire had already burned itself out.

Each day seems to have enough problems to keep us scurrying, but more often than not, after all our freneticism, many of these problems are like that chimney fire that burned itself out.

Martha was a biblical figure with whom most of us can readily identify; she was "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." But Jesus gently led her to focus her scattered efforts and prioritize her goals: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed" (Lk:10:40-41). 

Martha's sister Mary, had focused on the person of Jesus, while Martha had focused on things to be done for Jesus. When first things are put in first place, secondary things seem to fall into place and almost take care of themselves, like harmless fires that burn out almost of their own accord. Jesus did not propose negligence or lazy passivity, but the seeking of priorities that somehow enable one to handle secondary matters more expeditiously. His great mandate to prioritize our goals was a simple injunction, but one that would change our whole lifestyle if implemented: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness [hoiness], and all these things will be given you as well" (Mt 6:33).

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net