The homilist was away the previous two weekends.  The process of conversion is the "narrow gate" for every Christian.  We consider conversion in the life of Pope Francis.

"All is vanity" or "In the long run, everybody dies."  These are different ways of saying the same thing.  We must turn away from any activity which amounts to tearing down our barns to build larger ones.

The challenge of prayer is that we must be absorbed in it, fulfilling the petition "Your will be done."

Let's get away from stereotyping Martha and Mary, and instead consider that we need the qualities of both for living a full, rich life.