{{first_name|Friend}},
This Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 PM, a Women's March for abortion rights is planned in Las Cruces.
I know that hearing this news may cause concern, frustration, or even a desire to respond by organizing a counterprotest. We care deeply about the women, babies, and families of our community, and it is natural to feel troubled by what we see happening around us.
But I want to share something that God has been helping me understand during my own time in prayer.
Not to become consumed by everything I see and hear, but to remain rooted in Him, to listen, to pray, and, above all, to trust.
And that brings me to Martha and Mary.
The Gospel of Luke offers a beautiful lesson that I believe is especially important for us today.
When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha was troubled by everything she believed needed to be done. She was so concerned about how things should happen that she even asked Jesus to intervene and tell Mary what to do.
But Jesus responded:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part.” — Luke 10:41–42
You are anxious and worried about many things.
I believe those words speak directly to us today.
How often do we become so anxious about what is happening around us that we feel compelled to take matters into our own hands? We see something troubling, something we believe is wrong, and immediately begin thinking about what we must do to stop it, confront it, or somehow fix it ourselves.
And sometimes, without even realizing it, our anxiety begins to take the place of our trust in God.
Martha wanted Jesus to respond according to what she believed needed to happen. But Jesus lovingly redirected her attention to what mattered most. Mary had chosen to sit at His feet and listen.
What a profound lesson! We can become so convinced that we must do something that we forget to ask what God wants us to do.
And sometimes, what He is asking of us is simply to be still, listen to His Word, and trust Him.
Many of you have experienced what happens when we organize peaceful prayer rallies, candlelight vigils, or simply gather on the sidewalk to pray. We have seen people come specifically to interrupt our prayers, shout over us, and harass those who have gathered.
Knowing that this march is taking place in our own community may stir a desire in some of us to go there, confront those participating, or organize a counterprotest.
I understand that concern. We care deeply about the women, babies, and families of our community.
But we must be careful that our concern does not become the very anxiety Jesus was warning Martha about.
We cannot allow fear of what this march represents, or frustration over what others are doing, to convince us that everything depends on our ability to intervene.
God is in control. He has not abandoned our community, and He certainly does not need us to respond with anger or confrontation.
Jesus tells us:
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44
And St. Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).
The people participating in this march are not our enemies. They are children of God, loved by Him just as we are.
So I am asking us to respond differently. Let us choose what Mary chose.
Rather than spending that time confronting others, arguing, or allowing ourselves to become consumed by what is happening in the streets, let us spend it at the feet of Jesus.
I invite every family to dedicate one full hour to prayer on Sunday, October 25.
Many of us will already be at Mass or worship services during the march hours. Consider gathering with family and friends before or afterward for an additional hour of prayer.
Open your Bibles and read Scripture together. Pray the Rosary. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. Ask your priest whether your parish could offer a Holy Hour or celebrate Mass for peace, the conversion of hearts, and the protection of mothers and their children.
If you cannot gather at church, invite family and friends into your home.
If you organize a Holy Hour or prayer gathering at your church, please let me know! I would love to share the details and invite others in our community to join you in prayer.
Jesus promised us:
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20
We are not praying against the people marching. We are praying for them.
And we are praying for ourselves, that our desire to defend what is good will never become an excuse to act without the love, humility, and trust Christ asks of us
There will always be circumstances that make us anxious. There will always be things we wish we could change immediately. But our peace cannot depend on our ability to control what happens around us.
Martha wanted to make things right. Mary trusted the One who makes all things right.
This Sunday, let us choose the better part. Let us sit at His feet, listen to His Word, and trust that God is at work even when we cannot see what He is doing.
BOOTS, BABIES & BIG DREAMS!
And don't forget our upcoming Southwest Coalition Gala! We have so much to celebrate and exciting plans to share, and I would love to see you there!
December 2 | Las Cruces Convention Center
December 3 | El Paso Starlight Event Center
Join us for an inspiring evening with Riley Gaines, followed by our first-ever Western dance!
Come for the mission, stay for the celebration!
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 27
Intention: For the grace to surrender our anxieties to God, trust in His power, and respond to those who oppose us with prayer and love.
Scripture: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is only one thing needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” — Luke 10:41–42
Reflection: When troubling things happen around us, we often feel we must take control. But Jesus reminds Martha that anxiety can distract us from trusting Him. Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen. Prayer is not surrendering to evil. It is surrendering ourselves to the One who has already conquered it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we let anxiety overcome our trust in You. Teach us to choose the better part, to listen to Your Word, and to respond with the love of Christ. Help us remember that the battle belongs to You. Amen.
Challenge: Choose the better part. Set aside one hour this Sunday to pray with family or friends, read Scripture, and entrust the things that trouble your heart to God.