...distracted by many things

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing." Luke 10. 38-42

Today's gospel reading charges us with naming distractions that prevent us from embracing the presence of the Living God. The minutia of living often appears to be the essence of living, and when we are distracted by it ,we fall way off course. Worry too is a distraction; it is a distortion of the future that is neither true nor necessary but only a common source of despair and fear.

In this passage, perhaps Jesus is telling us that Conscious Living is the source of pure happiness. Thus I share with you this magnificent clip of words and images from Thomas Merton narrated by James Finley. I was so touched by it when a friend shared it recently that I have committed to listening to it at the beginning of each day indefinitely. One of my favorite lines in it is "do not reject life as it unfolds." Doing so is a tragic result of worry. Also the line "cultivate gratitude; life is a gift filled with countless small miracles." is a beautiful suggestion of how not to be distracted.

I hope you find a line or two in this clip that enhances your journey today.