Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem with his disciples, is welcomed by Martha into her home. Mary, Martha’s sister, sits at his feet, as a disciple of her day would, listening to what he has to say. Martha is distracted with all the tasks of hospitality at hand. She comes to Jesus and asks, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” To which Jesus answers, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”*
The story ends there. But, oh my, I can imagine what you may be thinking because I have imagined quite a few scenarios, a gamut of conflicted emotions. I understand Martha’s sense of responsibility and the work that always needs our attention. I also relate to Mary’s desire to give her undivided attention to God’s Word. I feel Martha’s devotion to Jesus; she was the one that invited him, along with (I imagine) all those accompanying him, to be at home in her house. And I feel the responsibility Mary is taking on as a disciple of Jesus.
In both Martha and Mary there is love and self-sacrifice, joy and suffering. In the story, Jesus is present to both these women, extending friendship and compassion, and for me a word that ultimately heals. Here’s where I went with the story: Martha is grateful that Jesus helps her get in touch with what is essential. She does a bit more, trusts it is enough, and comes closer to hear more of what Jesus has to say. Mary, in my imagining, actually gets up to help but is soon back to listen and learn more. All the other guests in the house find a way to help too, so that all serve and no one is burdened.
Jesus, after all, is inviting us to new awareness and perspective, rocking our traditional ways of thinking and doing into a joyful oneness of being.
For reflection:
- What grabs your attention and what needs your attention?
- What gives you joy and how might you experience and share it more?
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
