CHOOSE WHAT IS BETTER

 

JULY 4, 2023

 

 Luke 10:38-42 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

The story of Mary and Martha is an important one for all of us. The invitation that the Gospel gives us is to see ourselves in the story, and to aspire to be more like Mary in our heartfelt desire to stop all our hurrying and simply be with Jesus.  

I wonder if an underlying message here is that when we slow down and make space in our lives for Jesus, sitting at his feet, that this act will also bring us to a place of encounter with people, and to the experience of community. 

Jesus always saw people.  He had the ability to discern, to really see what was going on in their lives. I am convinced this ability to discern, was not only a result of His divinity. I truly believe that because Jesus walked in a relaxed unhurried manner through life, he was able to take the time to observe, to see those around Him.

We can do the same. Slow down. Take time. Choose what is better. Do it with Jesus and with those with whom our paths cross. 

REFLECT

Take time today to sit at Jesus’ feet. Ask Him to help you see those you encounter today, the way that He sees them.