Too often as we read the story of Mary and Martha we can be tempted to hold high regard for all things spiritual and minimize all things temporal and practical. Mary always gets the compliments, the credit. But what about Martha, who will make sure the meal gets prepared, the house is presentable, and the kitchen gets cleaned? The truth is, we need both Mary and Martha, and we have both within us. We need to take care of practical matters in our lives, and at the end of the day, we need to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus, from whom all our meaning flows.

In these days when going to mass can feel like a risky venture, with fear of ICE enforcement all around us, I want to commend all people who still make the journey to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who look for the ever-too-scant parking, who take time to gather in the simple building and be in the presence of the Morenita and the Santisimo. By choosing to gather each week you are choosing the better part. In a real way you are being Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, giving him your attention. But at the same time, you bring with you all the parts of you that are Martha: you bring your hard work from the week; you bring the stresses of your family; you bring the worries about immigration. You bring it all! When you enter the doors of the church, you do not leave those parts of yourself outside, like a pair of muddy shoes you might leave at the door. Instead, you bring it all in with you, and you offer it all to Jesus when you sit at his feet.

The other wonderful thing that happens when we “choose the better part” by coming to mass is we get to see one another and realize that we are not alone. Like us, our brothers and sisters around us have challenges at work and at home. They have hopes and fears, too. And yet, like us, they realize that the place where it all makes sense is here at church. I know I need mass because I need you—I need to know I am not alone in this journey called life. Together, we walk this journey. Together, we realize we belong. Together, we choose the better part.

Thank you for your generous support with our annual  Peters Pence Collection!  As a Parish we collected $2,029.88. Our Contributions join those from our brothers and sisters worldwide to help Pope Leo in his ministry to the Universal Church, including relief to people in need and support for the Holy See.

The Diocese of San Diego takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and addresses them promptly, confidentially, and with integrity. To report any incident of sexual misconduct, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Criminal abuse that is reported or suspected is reported to law enforcement in accordance with civil law.

Mary Acosta

Coordinadora de Asistencia a Víctimas

(858) 490-8353.