July 29, 2005

Mary and Martha Lk 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."

This reading about Mary and Martha is often used at a time when women are specifically being addressed. It seems to be more that a women's reading. For me the role of Mary is the contemplative disciple and that of Martha the apostolic disciple. If my heart is truly focused on God first, then there will be no judgement of others or complaints about other's actions. The love of God is the one focus that clears all ways. To listen to God is my one priority after the listening, all else will follow.

I have had some individual challenges or struggles and at the same time received some blessings. It keeps coming back to me the thought in connection with having a combination of good and bad events the reading of the weeds and wheat. Life does not come in neat little packages or bundles of only goodness. It is a part of Christian life to be able to accept the good and the bad with a realism and sense of the present and a trust that God is the one to judge and no one else. Again I have to refocus my heart and head and listen to God first in all situations at all times and trust that the rest will follow.