The Better Part

 

Martha and Mary

Luke 10: 38-42

 

³⁸ Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

To be with Mary, listening attentively to Jesus, is a place we need to be, as our lives are too full with "things to do and places to be." Yes the place of Martha is important, but Jesus seems to indicate that after quiet listening we emerge empowered to carry out those necessary tasks, not only with love, but with peaceful efficiency. Let us take "time outs" in the course of our day, to listen to Jesus in quiet, and let him soothe out spirits so that we may serve him better.

Bro. Reneu