Don’t be a spiritual workaholic

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

IF Martha were alive today, she would probably own three smartphones, answer emails during dinner, organize family reunions on spreadsheets, and remind everyone that she is “the only one doing any real work around here.” Mary, meanwhile, would probably be accused of “just sitting there.”

That, more or less, is the timeless lesson behind the Gospel story of Martha and Mary (Lk. 10:38-42). Martha deserves credit. She opened her home to Christ and spared no effort in making him comfortable. Hospitality is a beautiful virtue.

The trouble began when she became so absorbed in serving that she forgot whom she was serving. Then came the complaint: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work?”

Christ’s answer must have sounded like cold water splashed on an overheated cook. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Only one thing is necessary.”

Ouch. Notice that Jesus did not criticize work. He criticized worry, agitation, and the illusion that busyness automatically equals holiness. Apparently, heaven does not give bonus points for looking stressed.

Many of us suffer from what might be called “holy multitasking syndrome.” We rush from one obligation to another until we are too busy to remember why we are doing any of it. We can spend an entire day working for God without spending a minute with God.

That is like preparing a lavish birthday party and forgetting to greet the birthday celebrant. The secret is not to work less but to work differently. Work should become prayer.

How? Before attacking your inbox, washing the dishes, attending meetings, or fixing that mysterious office printer that always breaks at the worst possible moment, simply tell God: “Lord, this is for You.”

That tiny offering changes everything. The task itself may remain ordinary, but its purpose becomes extraordinary. Typing reports, changing diapers, driving through traffic, or sweeping the floor can all become acts of love.

Of course, offering our work to God is not a magical excuse for doing it badly. Imagine telling your boss, “Yes, the report has seventeen mistakes, but I offered it to God.”

Nice try. Love always seeks excellence. If we truly work for God, we avoid shortcuts, chronic procrastination, endless coffee breaks disguised as “important discussions,” and the national pastime of waiting until the deadline develops fangs.

Doing little things well is itself a prayer. Another practical trick is to keep short conversations with God throughout the day. “Jesus, help me.” “For You, Lord.” “Give me patience.” These little prayers are like spiritual Wi-Fi. They keep the connection alive even while the work continues.

And when distractions come—and they certainly will—we need not panic. Instead of becoming irritated because our mind wandered, simply smile and steer it back to God. Repeat as often as necessary. If smartphones need constant reconnecting, surely human souls do too.

Finally, don’t waste the inevitable frustrations of work. Difficult colleagues, delayed flights, impossible deadlines, traffic jams, computer crashes, and projects that mysteriously disappear after three hours of work can all become offerings when accepted with faith instead of endless grumbling.

Martha and Mary are not rivals. They belong together. We need Mary’s heart while having Martha’s hands. The ideal Christian is not someone who chooses between prayer and work. It is someone who turns work into prayer and prayer into the strength to work.

That way, even the busiest day becomes less of a rat race and more of a pilgrimage—with fewer complaints and much better company.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com