Some time ago I was invited to lead a 2-hour evening prayer service at one of the parishes. That particular prayer service was held there once a month and included Eucharist, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary, a Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary and other songs and prayers. It actually took a little longer than two hours. When I was driving home after the service, I realized that this was more of a marathon of prayers and I was more tired than satisfied with being with Christ. Don’t take me wrong, all of these prayers and devotions are beautiful and meaningful, but sometimes we get too busy with making sure we say all the prayers we know instead of just trying to relax, stop for a moment and be with Jesus and listen to Him speak. It happens to me often so that I become like Martha from the Gospel today, worrying about fulfilling all of my Catholic obligations rather than just being like Mary -- being able to stop, to listen and to love.
