Martha, Martha

Sometimes we need to just take a break and be in the moment.

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.” - Luke 10:38-42

Mary and her sister, Martha, chose two different approaches to being hospitable toward their friend, Jesus.

One was busy getting everything ready for dinner, while the other chose to be with their guest, absorbing all he had to say.

Have you ever been a guest left sitting on the couch while your host or hostess fussed about?  It can be disconcerting.  You want to say, please, sit.  Don't make such a fuss.  Let's just talk.

My grandmother was a lot like Martha.  She would spend all her time in the kitchen, preparing the meal, and then serving it, while my grandfather sat in his chair and talked with us.  

My father would make us feel guilty that we weren't helping out, so in the end, everyone was busy getting everything ready, while grandpa sat alone, enjoying his family from a distance.

My mother learned from this and chose to sit with her guests, leaving the work for later, when we all would chip in and serve each other.

I think Grandma missed out on a lot.  We adored her and loved all she did for us, and she always said this is what she enjoyed the most, being the hostess.

It is a bit odd for Jesus, who taught his disciples to be servants, to take time being a guest, enjoying the company of friends.  Maybe he wants us to know that there is a both, for being the servant and for being the guest.

And for us, who serve, there is a time for work and a time for being present for those we serve.

Since the pandemic, the time we spend together, just being close and enjoying each other's company has diminished to the point where it may be totally non existent.  We have lost contact with one another.

Maybe this Gospel today is a reminder for us to get back to being close, to listening and enjoying each other again.

Martha, Martha, there is a need of only one thing.

More to come...