What is it about Tuesdays?

It is so appropriate that it is St Martha's day of the week, cos they are always packed in this household.

Today's busy scramble included an early morning appointment for Roo, Lee taking over the playschool drop-off for a very out-of-sorts Poonch and then meeting me to collect Roo so I could go to the second appointment, playschool and school pick-ups, then a dash into the city to take Roo to his language class followed by a dash back home with him, quick change for me and back to the other side of the city for my lovely pregnancy exercise class and meet-up with my lovely friend whose due date is 3 days before mine.

Coincidentally, today's Gospel featured the story of Jesus, Martha and Mary.

With all the rushing, I had forgotten to say the prayer and light the candle to ask Martha's intercession in our hectic world.  So a quick read of my Magnificat served to remind me this evening and as the day draws to a close, there is a little flame burning on my window-sill shrine.

A Helping Hand on Tuesday

As my little crochet hook twirled and looped this morning in my fabulous class at Lena's, I was a bit ashamed of the state of my hands.
Freezing rain and biting winds have conspired with frequent handwashing in the most limescale-ridden water known to man to make them look and feel like those of a Victorian washerwoman. Or perhaps those of St Martha looked similar too?
In any case, I have promised my lámha a dollop of handcream whenever they get wet from now on.
Thank you Lee for minding the bookles. x

Martha Tuesday

Just coming to the end of another busy Tuesday here. It only occurred to me today that it is appropriate for me that Tuesday is the day earmarked for the novena to St Martha, because they have been very full and hectic the last couple of weeks and Martha is remembered for being that wan in da Bible who was really consumed with her domestic tasks, so much so that she neglected to spend time listening to Jesus.

The Novena prayer and the little candle that I light reminds me to pray. It can be so easy to lose sight of what is really important, especially at this time of year.

Here is the prayer in case you'd like to join in:

I ask you St Martha, by your intercession to help me in overcoming my difficulties and to teach me to become great in the Kingdom of Heaven by becoming as humble as you in this world.

O St Martha, I resort to you and to your petition and faith.

I offer up to you this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays.

Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour you enjoyed when our Saviour lodged in your house.

I beseech you to have definite pity in regard to the favour I ask (mention it).

Intercede for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities.

I ask you St Martha to overcome the dragon which you cast at your feet.

Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys and light a candle every Tuesday (and tell other people about it;)