Thoughts for the Day

Now as they went on their way, Jesus 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.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The story of Martha and Mary is well known, and it's one that I have always disliked! I totally admit it - I couldn't stand the pious Mary and always felt aggrieved for the hard-working Martha. However, over the years I looked at the story with fresh eyes.

One of the absolute rules of life in the Hebrew Scriptures is that of hospitality. In a harsh land where water and food could be difficult to find it was important to extend a welcome to the traveller. We know from other stories in the gospels that Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus lived in Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, so we may assume that Jesus and the disciples were making their way to the Holy City, but were in need of food and rest. Mary may have already helped her sister, but now she sits in the traditional position of a student, to listen to Jesus. St Paul (Acts 22.3) says he was brought up 'at the feet of Gamaliel', meaning he studied under the great scholar. But Martha hasn't time to listen to Jesus, she has too many task that are taking her away from him - too many things that, though important, are distracting her from his message and teaching.

It's all too easy to work hard for our church, or to help others - perhaps to raise money, or help collect food for those in need, or carry out other charity work - and we may feel we are doing what our faith demands. But Jesus says this shouldn't come at the expense of keeping our eyes on him, and growing closer to him. Yes we should be activists, but even more we should be listening and learning at Jesus' feet.

Lord Jesus,
when we think we are doing what you want
help us to see that it is not doing,
but listening and learning that matter.
Help us to lay on one side our activities sometimes,
to spend time in worship and prayer.
May we learn to be like Mary as well as like Martha.
Amen.