The Antidote to Worry

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."

Christ in the House of Mary
and Martha
By: David Lindsay
www.theholyhouse.org

Reflection: Many studies have proven that worry is at the root of many illnesses. Ironically, many of our worries prove to be something not worth worrying about. How many times have we lost sleep worrying over a certain future event, only to find out when that event comes, there is really nothing to worry about? Think about the wasted energy agonizing over something that does not even happen! Think also about the blessings surrounding you but were obstructed by that monster called worry.

At the root of worry is another monster called fear. Jesus knew that fear paralyzes us. He is no stranger to fear, for He is also fully human like us, but unlike us fully Divine. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced total fear and sadness. But how did He rise up from it and accomplished the greatest feat ever in the history of mankind? The answer is Love. Jesus' love for us gave Him the strength to carry His cross all the way to Calvary and win for us our salvation. Every step on the way of the cross when Jesus stumbled, He thought about us pitiful sinners, and His love and compassion made Him rise up to complete His mission for us.

Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus are friends of Jesus, and he loved hanging out with them. Probably Martha was such a good cook and gracious hostess. But she was so stressed out and worried about serving her guests. Mary on the other hand, just relaxed in the presence of Jesus, listening to Jesus' teachings that inspired her and brought her peace. Mary focused on Jesus and as she began to know Jesus more, the more she loved Him and the more she is at peace. Love conquers her worries.

It pays to focus on Jesus and to train our hearts to trust and love Him. Jesus is capable of meeting all our needs, and all fears known to man are no match for His power. He can heal all illnesses, strengthen every weakness, and calm every storm, natural or man made. The winds obey with just one word from Him. St. Peter began to sink in the water when Jesus asked Him to walk out of the boat, because he took away his eyes from Jesus. Peter instead focused on the sounds of the howling winds and he began to sink. Needless to say, Jesus was disappointed with him but still rescued Peter out of love. Jesus not only wants us to love Him, but He also wants us to trust Him. Our trust is something very valuable to Jesus, and He is very pleased when we surrender all our concerns to Him. Surrendering to Jesus means trusting Him completely, He who gave up His Life for us. How could we not trust and love Him?

May we learn to love and trust in Jesus, and may our hearts remain anchored on Him. Like Mary the sister of Lazarus, may we learn to love Jesus and rest in His presence that all fears may have no place in our hearts.