Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday Reflection: Martha and Mary
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him.[k] 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s[l] feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But 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.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, 42 but few things are needed—indeed only one.[m] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This story is baffling to our modern sensibilities, which honor hard work, duty, and stick-to-itiveness. Martha does all the work while Mary just sits and listens to Jesus.
Of course Martha has some complaints! She is doing all the work, after all. But Jesus says that "Mary has chosen the better part."
As a kid, I remember hearing this story and imagining Martha giving up her work and joining Mary. Sure, the place would become dirty and dinner would be cold, but... to sit and listen to Jesus?
There are times that it is essential to remember the balance life fully lived requires. There are times to put down your tasks and listen.
