Many years ago, Charles Hummel wrote a terrific booklet called "Tyranny of the Urgent." Mr. Hummel pointed out that as humans in general and as Christians in particular, we often become consumed with "urgent" issues at the expense of attending to what is most important in our lives.

Frankly, "Tyranny of the Urgent" pretty much describes my life most of the time. On a daily basis, I find myself preoccupied with such "urgent" matters like getting to work on time, transporting children to and from school and activities, and making sure bills are paid on time. Of course, these are real responsibilities and must be carried out.

But ultimately, is it enough for me to say that I accomplished a day's work, took care of my family, and stayed ahead of the bill collector? I certainly hope that in the long run my life will stand for much more than this.

In today's Gospel reading, we find Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha busies herself with the work involved in serving a cherished guest, while Mary "sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak." Martha, frustrated that she is doing all the work, asks Jesus to rebuke Mary. "Tell her to help me!," Martha says.

Jesus responds, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

Martha, I think it is safe to say, is consumed by the apparently urgent duties of a hostess. Mary, on the other hand, sees what is most important --- the opportunity to be in Jesus' presence and to listen to him. Dusting and dishwashing can wait. Mary had her priorities right. Martha did not.

You and I are called to attend to what is most important in our lives. We are all called to first and foremost follow Jesus Christ --- to make room for him in our lives. Certainly we must fulfill the responsibilities we have accepted as employees, employers, spouses, parents, siblings and friends. But we must also sit at Jesus' feet, listen to him, and respond to his teachings. In addition to managing to get to work each day, dealing with children's schedules, and taking care of family finances I must also ask myself if I have practiced prayer and service, and taken the opportunities given me to show generosity and compassion.

I don't mean at all to dismiss those matters that seem so urgent to all of us from day to day. These responsibilities are real, and there usually just doesn't seem to be enough time to get everything done. But if the urgent issues in our lives prevent us from actively following Jesus Christ, then it would seem that some reorganization of our priorities are in order.

We may not be able to see how it could possibly work, but we are called like Martha to let go of our anxiety and worry over "many things," and realize that "there is need of only one thing," and choose the better part.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa.