Scripture:
10.38 Now as they went on their way, he [Jesus] entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ 41But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’ (Luke 10:38-end)
Reflection
Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus. Apart from being devout followers of Jesus, he had also brought their brother, Lazarius, back to life; they loved Jesus, they cared for him. They were both serving Jesus that day, just in very different ways. Mary was sitting listening to Jesus; Martha was busy, busy, busy doing things for Jesus. And Jesus says to Martha, that Mary has chosen the better thing to do; which, on first reading, sounds a bit harsh! Jesus doesn’t blame Martha for being really concerned about all the household chores – after all, they need doing; they are important. All he is asking her to do is to consider her priorities.
She hadn’t realised that in her desire to serve – by “doing” – she has forgotten to just “be” and listen to Jesus. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you are neglecting spending time with Jesus?
Revd David