This episode features a homily from Father Jake Magnusson delivered at an appreciation mass, exploring the tension between prayer and action using the Gospel story of Martha and Mary.

The Gospel of Martha and Mary

Father Magnusson reflects on the story where Martha is burdened with service ("much serving") while Mary sits at the Lord's feet, listening to him speak. Martha asks Jesus to make Mary help her, but Jesus replies, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.".

The Better Part: Prayer and Work

Father Magnusson explains that the lesson from this passage is that Christians must do two things well: pray and work.

• The Image of Our Lady of Victory: This necessity is beautifully illustrated by the history of the feast day, Our Lady of Victory (1571), where the Christian army was "outmatched" by the Muslim Turks. The Pope asked everyone to pray the Rosary for victory, but the soldiers still had to go out and fight the battle.
• Ora et Labora: This reflects the monastic rule of the Benedictines ("Pray and work") who founded the school's institution.
• The Better Part is Prayer: Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the "better part", emphasizing that prayer is the most important thing. However, Jesus does not condemn Martha's service; rather, he reminds us that both prayer and work are necessary.

Living Righteously

Father Magnusson encourages listeners to find guidance in this balance:

• Pray and ask God to bestow graces that we don't deserve.
• Work and continue to "fight the battle for God, for goodness, for truth, for beauty".

The episode concludes with gratitude for the community's generosity and a final prayer for the congregation.

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