Jul202025
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A Theory.

I have a theory, and I think you will agree with it. For every good thing that you do:, “The photo copy machine is out of paper, no problem, I will fill the tray.” “Oh, the community car, that everyone uses, is on empty. No worries, I will fill it.” “The vacuum cleaner bag is full, and there are no other bags.” Easy, I will order more.” “Seems as though someone walked into the house with muddy feet. No problem, I will clean it up.” For every ten nice things that you do and no one notices or thanks you, there is one person who will yell at you for something you didn’t do. “You forgot to mention the Mass intention today.” “Did you forget to order the Pascal candle for Easter?” “I sent you an e-mail that I thought was important. Apparently, you are too busy running these days.” When someone points out your flaws, you tend to feel a little sad. Not me. The reason is that at that moment, I am thinking about the ten nice things I just did that no one noticed.  I then say to myself, “I guess I am not such a bad person after all.”

In the Gospel, Martha tells Jesus that Mary is not carrying her weight. That, essentially, she is lazy. And she does this in front of Mary. How do you think Mary must feel? But Jesus immediately draws attention to the nice things that Mary does. “Thank you, Mary, for keeping me company. Of course, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the King of kings, the Savior sent into the world is in your house, in your living room. And you are listening to His words. There will be many people who will want to know what I said, and you will go out and evangelize.” Mary must be thinking, “I guess I am not so bad after all.”

Here is the faith lesson: no one bats 1000; no one bats 400. When they count your strikeouts, point out your flaws, or recall your setbacks, do not be sad. Every day is valuable, and we want to perform at the highest level. To achieve this, we need to eat well, get enough rest, exercise, pray, and, most importantly, stay positive about ourselves.

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