Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)

Now as they went on their way, he 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.”

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Reflect

Mary and Martha. My girls. I love these women. In these two women I see the totality of discipleship. We celebrate Mary as she sits at Jesus feet, listening and learning. Do you think she asked questions? I hope she made a real nuisance of herself wanting “just one more thing.” Martha is busy being the hostess and providing for the physical needs of their visitors.

I take exception to the idea that one sister is right and one is not so right. For me it is simply two aspects of the love we are commanded to embrace: Love of God and love of neighbor. By visiting in the home of Martha and Mary, Jesus tells us that discipleship has to do not only with love of neighbor, but also with love of God—not only with active service, but also with a silent and patient waiting upon God’s word to call to us.

I am firmly convinced that we are called to be both Marys and Marthas, not either/or. Doing without listening can easily degenerate into busyness that loses its purpose. Listening without doing denigrates the ministries to which we are called.

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Pray

God of love and action, how grateful we are for your call on our lives. With thanksgiving, we commit ourselves to loving, learning, and doing. Give us ears to hear what you would have us hear, give us hearts hungry for your word. Give us hands eager to serve, give us lives dedicated to work for your purposes. Thanks be to God. Amen.