The "one thing necessary"

This morning I put on my hiking boots and became the casual walker. Unlike yesterday, I decided to take a more leisurely walk around the path at Tamaques Park. As I walked I said my usual Rosary and swatted at those pesky insects that seem to be fascinated by my face! As I strove to be recollected in the midst of a couple of bikes racing by, a woman shouting out commands to an exercising group, and those ever-companioning flying distractors, I was reminded of something Venerable Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, wrote: "our hearts can always be in the same place, centered in God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back."

"For whom alone" -- the "one thing necessary" as stated in yesterday's Gospel on Martha and Mary. I started to reflect on just why I was getting up so early to walk. What is the bottom line? Certainly not exercise... not this time, anyway - although the result is my getting exercise. I'm getting up to get my body in shape so I can walk 10 - 15 miles a day for 9 - 10 days. Again: why? I was invited. Not good enough. Why? I want to do the Camino. Again.... not good enough. Why? What's the bottom line? What is the "one thing necessary" in this case? Bottom line: I want to be able to walk the Camino in order to draw closer to God, for whom alone I go forward or stay back. My relationship with God is the "one thing necessary."