Lenten Meditation - March 13, 2006

His Majesty does not lead all souls by the same way. St. Martha was holy, though we are never told she was a contemplative; would you not content with resembling this blessed woman who deserved to receive Christ our Lord so often into her home, where she fed and served Him, and where He ate at her table?

Imagine that this little community is the house of St. Martha where there must be different kinds of people. Remember that someone must cook the meals and count yourselves happy in being able to serve like Martha.

Reflect that true humility consists in being willing and ready to do what our Lord asks of us. It always makes us consider ourselves unworthy to be reckoned among His servants.

Then if contemplation, mental and vocal prayer, nursing the sick, the work of the house and the most menial labor, all serve this Guest, why should we choose to minister to Him in one way rather than in another?

- St. Teresa of , Way of Perfection, 17:4,5