The WORD in Other Words by Fr Robert Ibay SVD (Philippines) on the Memorial of St Martha
We have many worries, fears and apprehensions in life. financial, spiritual, relationships, work, sickness, family, examinations, business. The experience of Martha in our gospel today helps us face experiences that give us agony. Finding God’s word and His will amidst these worries is a key to overcoming unease. Surely the Lord does not abandon us in the midst of all these apprehensions; rather He journeys with us.
Listening to the Lord is allowing His word to direct us. Listening to the Lord is reading, and understanding His wishes. Peace is a fruit or a consequence of being in God’s presence and listening to His words. Archbishop Quevedo once said at the CEAP convention in SM Manila last October 4-5, 2018, “Peace is not just the absence of war and conflict. Peace is realizing or becoming aware of the enormous, infinite goodness of the Lord in us. It is believing that God is faithful to us and He will never abandon us.”
In a word, just like the lessons learned by Martha in her dialogue with Jesus, when we start finding time to be with Jesus listening to HIM, the sufficiency and power of God’s Peace conquers our worries. Do we find peace in being with God? Do we find peace listening to HIM? Do we feel God’s presence and His words alive in our fears and apprehensions in life?
Source – Bible Diary 2020

Lord in this time of darkness that be fall upon us, we surrender everything…always stay with us eventhough we are not worthy..Please send peace in our hearts even we are in the midst of troubles and chaos in the government in our church and in our home…
Be with us most specially for the little ones…keep them safe untouched and unharm…
Mother Mary cover us with the mantle of your maternal protection.
We ask this thru your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.