Today the Church commemorates the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, and the Gospel reading tells of Martha and Mary. Martha busies herself with the serving, while Mary sits at the feet of Christ and listens. The Lord does not rebuke Martha, but gently reminds her: only one thing is needed. Sometimes we too are anxious about many things, while the most important passes us by. The saint of the day, Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis, lived in the second century and preached the faith. We know little about his life, but his very ministry speaks of what matters most: he chose the good portion and shared it with others. The feat of holiness is not always in loud deeds; sometimes it is quiet faithfulness to the end. Today I wish you not to miss the quiet voice of Christ amid your cares. May the Lord grant you strength and peace, and may the Mother of God shelter you under her protection. May the blessing of God be with you.