“There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence… activism and overwork. The frenzy of the activist neutralizes their work for peace.”
~Thomas Merton
Reflection:
We have forgotten how to rest. We have forgotten how to be still, quiet, and listen for the still, quiet voice of God in our hearts. We have lost or given away our peace and, in turn, are making the world less peaceful, even when we mask our dis-ease as the pursuit of justice. While this is nothing new, it is more true now than ever.
In Luke 10:38-42 (NIV), when Jesus was in the home of Martha and Mary, we are told that Martha scurried about “distracted… worried and upset about many things,” doing what she felt was right and just in the eyes of the Lord. Mary, on the other hand, calmly and quietly “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” When Martha, who here represents the activist, complained to Jesus that Mary, who here represents the contemplative, was not doing her part, Jesus responds to her by saying, “[F]ew things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” We see that Jesus doesn’t tell Martha she is wrong. He doesn’t rebuke her, ask her to stop being active, or tell her to sit quietly at his feet like Mary. He says that not all of the things Martha is distracted by, worrying over, or upset about are necessary, that there is one essential thing, and that is to sit quietly in the presence of God and listen.
There are many times in Scripture where we are told to “act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8), “defend the oppressed… take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17), “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute… defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9), and to “not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor” (Zechariah 7:9-10). The world needs and has always needed both activists and contemplatives. Some, like St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of The Society of Jesus (aka The Jesuits), have even found a way to be “contemplatives in action.” Jesus is not admonishing activism as inherently wrong. As St. Teresa of Avila said, “He has ordained that we should help one another” (Letter 197, 1577), for we, the body of Christ, are the hands, feet, and eyes of Jesus in an unjust world. However, Jesus is telling us to be careful not to miss “what is better,” as we seek what is just.
Question for Meditation:
How might your activism, busyness, or “good” efforts be distracting you from truly listening to God’s voice in your life?
Related Scripture:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way.” — Psalm 37:7 (ESV)
For Further Reading: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Peace of Soul: How To Trust God’s Word And Not Be In A Hurry (Lectio Divina) — a reflection on resting in God’s peace instead of rushing through life’s demands, echoing the call to embrace stillness and trust rather than frantic activity.
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