Scripture: Luke 10:38-40
While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.”
Thought for the Day: So what is the proper way of living? Are we to spend our lives at the feet of Jesus, listening to his words? Or are we to be about the work of preparing a meal of welcome? There are few debates within Christianity (within most religions) that have received more energy. In this case, it sounds as if Jesus almost scolds Martha for not leaving the work behind. I’m going to make a suggestion that I cannot fully defend, but I imagine that Jesus is not suggesting that somehow we are all to spend our lives sitting quietly and listen for the voice of Jesus. I believe everything is context, and Martha seems to be complaining to Jesus that Mary is not helping. Does Jesus invite Martha to leave behind the preparation in this moment because it is the right moment to leave behind the work? I think so. And I have a feeling that there will be other moments when folks will be quietly sitting and listening for the voice of Jesus, and they will begin complaining that there is too much noise from those doing work. In that moment, Jesus might just tell those seated to get off their backsides and get to work. Like so much in life, it is all about balance. We might be wired in a way that draws us one way or the other, but we also must find what is the correct balance for us if we are going to remain healthy and faithful.
Prayer: Make me aware of what I need and what I should do. Make me aware, O Spirit of the Living Christ, do know when I need to be doing what I should be doing. Amen.
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