The Gospel according to Luke (10:38-42)
Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel, featuring Martha & Mary, highlights what happens when one sister (Martha) does what she believes is expected of her, based on the time and social norms of the time, and the other sister (Mary) lives more in the moment, taking the position of a student at the Lord’s feet, even though women pretty much never did that in Jesus’ time.
Did Martha do anything wrong here? No. She simply served as she expected she should. In that male-dominated society of the first century, Martha’s actions were right in line with what was expected. Jesus’ response to her highlights that Martha’s priorities needed realignment. His words remind her that she should have recognized the incredible opportunity she had to listen to Jesus’ words, and left the regular old serving until later. That’s the blessing He gives to Mary at the end of this scene, saying that she had “chosen the better part”.
I think those of us who work in church ministry can always use this reminder. Yes, there are always administrative things to do to keep things moving (dealing with forms, documents, schedules and so on). The key is not to lose sight of the fact that we who minister are “ministers” first, not “administrators” first. We are called to journey with those whom we serve, helping them to learn more about Jesus and His love, and to model a life of love and service. Yes, we do need our forms, etc., but let us not forget that it is the personal connections – the relationships – that shine brightest to those we care for and serve.
After all, we are working to help everyone to fall in love with Jesus, and to see everyone as a child of God, worthy of dignity, love and care, and to want to live that same kind of life, extending God’s Kingdom further by our love, our kindness, our forgiveness and mercy, and our companionship along the journey to that Kingdom in heaven one day.
Action for the Day:
Ask the Lord to give you a loving, patient, forgiving heart today, that you may be a beacon of love and hope to everyone, even those who may be difficult. Perhaps I should say.. “ESPECIALLY” those who are difficult.
Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/
If you would like to hear this reflection, click the link below!
