St. Martha

Poor St. Martha. Everyone thinks that Jesus was chiding her for working and serving while Mary sat at his feet and he praised her for choosing the "better part". But Martha was a very perceptive theologian. It was her love that impelled her to want to serve a good meal in her house. When Lazarus died it was Martha who made the great declaration that Jesus was theMessiah.

There are manyMartha's in our world. We would be starving and homeless if there weren't. No one should think they are serving in kitchen, fastfood restaurant or assembly line because they couldn't do better. They are the hinges around which our world turns securely and serenely and that is a mighty work!!!!

Uncle Karl and the Plum Trees

Mother Franziska lived by a spirit of generosity which I can best describe by telling of my Uncle and his plum trees.

Karl lived in a little village on the edge of the Black Forest in southern Germany. The plum trees that contributed to their income since his parents' time were getting old so he bought some new ones. As he was digging the holes for his little saplings he commented that the relatives were wondering why such an old man was bothering to plant new plum trees. He planted carefully because these trees would bring delight to many people in future summers and he wished them well. Uncle Karl never did anything solely for himself. As he said, "Someone will eat the plums, Bon Appetit"

Like Johnny Appleseed and Uncle Karl, we can just do good and give blessings and let the God of all ages determine the result.