A short reading and prayer for today
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 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.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘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.’ St Luke 10: 38 – 42
Reflection
This passage strongly resonated with me on many levels. Firstly, because I am blessed to have a sister who is different to me in some ways; at times this is irritating, but when I am in respectful mode, I appreciate our differences and realise I can learn from them.
The story also reflects the disease of ‘busyness’ that so many of us are afflicted with. Martha represents the person I see myself to be much of the time. I suspect she also reflects many people who are busy doing.. organising.. managing tasks, people, and life. It never ends! Mary represents where many of us would want to be i.e. ‘living in the moment’.
If Martha lived in modern times, her inner dialogue would probably be saying things like “Do it now!” ; “Don’t forget to…”; “Hurry up!”; “Get it out of the way with”.
If Mary lived in modern times, I think she may be saying, “Slow down and listen”; “Focus on the present” ; “Pay attention to the wise words”.
When Martha asks the Lord if he doesn’t care; I think she is really asking for help, enquiring whether what she is doing isn’t good enough, in His eyes. His answer should serve as a reminder to not be distracted by all that is around us, to focus on what is important, to take in what HE is saying to us, to listen to that ‘still small voice’, to not worry and to trust and have faith.
By commending Mary, the Lord is telling us that there is a different way to be fulfilled and that is to “Be Still”, as this is the way to lead a life that is closer to Him; a path that builds inner peace, the likes of which cannot be taken away.
Prayer
Father God, you blessed us with abilities that enable us to do many things.
Let us use these gifts wisely to bring more people to you, bringing hope to many.
Help us to use our energy appropriately to do good and to show we care.
Father God, this is how we show the difference your love makes in us. Amen