Evil of Distraction

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Tuesday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, October 6th, 2020

Texts: Gal. 1:13-24: Ps. 139:1-3.13-15; Luke 10:38-42

God has plan for everyone, but distraction often stands as an enemy. Before we were born God had plan for us. St. Paul reminds us of the fact when he says, "But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the gentiles". God did not create us for nothing; before he created us he had a purpose in mind. Generally, God created us all to know him, love him and serve him in this world that we might enjoy eternal happiness in the next. 

Distraction has been an enemy to the fulfilment of the purpose of God for us. We are often distracted from the purpose for which God created us. Distraction is truly an enemy of progress; it is a diversion from one's purpose, goal, and dreams. Distraction kills ambition, it kills dreams and destiny. In today's gospel reading, it is said, "But Martha was distracted with much serving". Distraction often takes away the most important, and places the insignificant in one's hands. Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."

St. Paul, in the first reading, also talks of his distraction before finding the right path. He says, "You have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and try to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers." He was distracted by his zeal to protect the traditions of his fathers; he failed to embrace the future the traditions prepared for him. Thank God for him that the distraction did not hold him forever; he paid heed to God's call and was lead by his grace to achieve  the purpose for his life.

Dear friends, let us beware of distraction, the enemy of progress and destiny. Sometimes, we could be deceived into believing that we are serving the Lord by engaging in irrelevant activities. Both Paul and Martha thought they were serving God with what they were doing, but latter to be known that those activities were distractions. While Paul was doing the wrong thing and thinking that he was serving God, Martha was doing the right thing at the wrong time and also thinking she was serving God. We need to avoid the two circumstances of Paul and  Martha. Let us always be prayerful and ask for God's grace to lead us aright.

Lord Jesus Christ, we beg you to always lead us by your grace that we may not give in into distraction. Amen.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke