Read

"A Love Letter to the Marthas"

Published:
December 15, 2023
September 20, 2022
Read "A Love Letter to the Marthas", a poem about how to be still.

How much salt water has been shed
over those pots and pans,
and how many different uses
for those knives
have you dreamed of
as you worked, always fighting
the clock;

last to be seated, first to stand.
The work is never done; it grows,
consuming everything in its path
like the never-ending flow of ravenous
guests who come to your table. What a luxury
not to know what can’t be left undone,
not to know in your bones the price
of contemplation.

Oh but Martha, there is a better part
and you know it. You, too, have a right
to embrace stillness. Will the world really end
if you lay down your burdens and rest awhile?
Might not somebody else step up?
What would it feel like to join
the conversation, to be fed
instead of feeding?

You, too, were made
for higher things,
and peeling potatoes is
only one thing you can do.

Creators:
Sophie Caldecott
Published:
December 15, 2023
September 20, 2022
On a related note...
Does It Matter What I Wear to Church?

Does It Matter What I Wear to Church?

Grotto

Why I'm Catholic: I'm Not Alone

Why I'm Catholic: I'm Not Alone

Grotto

Why Pope Francis Wants You to Pray the Rosary Right Now

Why Pope Francis Wants You to Pray the Rosary Right Now

Grotto Shares

Easter Sunday with Catholics in Shanghai

Easter Sunday with Catholics in Shanghai

Grotto

Retreat Center Focuses on Volunteering in Community | Little Ways: Retreat

Retreat Center Focuses on Volunteering in Community | Little Ways: Retreat

Grotto

The New Worlds She Found in Her Library

The New Worlds She Found in Her Library

Theresa Sullivan

St. John of the Cross Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. John of the Cross Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Free Download: Lenten Wallpapers for Phone and Desktop

Free Download: Lenten Wallpapers for Phone and Desktop

Grotto

Finding Myself in a New Country

Finding Myself in a New Country

Andrea Nuñez

What Love Looks Like Below the Surface

What Love Looks Like Below the Surface

Robert Christian

How My Philosophy Degree Has Served Me IRL

How My Philosophy Degree Has Served Me IRL

Isaac Huss

Why I'm Catholic: God Loves Me

Why I'm Catholic: God Loves Me

Grotto

The Gift of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wichita

The Gift of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wichita

Grotto

‘I Knew I Was the Only Poor Person’

‘I Knew I Was the Only Poor Person’

Grotto Shares

What to Know About Getting an Annulment after Divorce

What to Know About Getting an Annulment after Divorce

Patty Breen

This Twitter Feed is the Most Peaceful Place on the Internet

This Twitter Feed is the Most Peaceful Place on the Internet

Mike Jordan Laskey

The Song that Made Me Rethink Classical Music

The Song that Made Me Rethink Classical Music

Grace Spiewak

Guaranteed Ways to Make Someone Smile Today

Guaranteed Ways to Make Someone Smile Today

Martha Reilly

Juneteenth Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Juneteenth Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Feast of the Guardian Angels | #GrottoMusic

Feast of the Guardian Angels | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.