"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing." (Luke 10:41-42)
When we hear this passage, we often think that the Lord was rebuking Martha for her busyness, but his rebuke focused on her anxiety and her complaining. The meal needed to be made; they needed to eat. Someone had to make sure that people's needs were met. Martha was good at taking care of people.
Martha's anxiety centered around her anger with her sister. She felt like Mary should have been helping her. Martha likely had everything under control, so Mary took advantage of the Lord's presence and sat at his feet. Martha could have listened while she lovingly prepared and served their meal, without frustration and anger. Instead, she let her emotions get the best of her. She let her mind influence her negatively to the point of complaining.
I used to find myself frustrated that no one was helping me. I made the meals. I vacuumed. I did the laundry. Why didn't anyone help me? Then I realized that I didn't have to be frustrated about doing these tasks while others were watching TV or playing. I realized that I could choose to either complain about the work or I could pour love into the tasks and make them a prayer. When I made the decision to pour my love into the tasks, they became prayer for me. It was then that I realized that I like to make sure that my family's needs are taken care of. It's not a chore; it's an act of love.
I admit that I sometimes still get frustrated when no one is helping, especially if I'm tired or hot. At those times, I feel the Lord gently rebuking me to focus on what really matters.
Tasks need to be completed. Houses need to be cleaned. Lawns need to be mowed. Cars need to be fixed. Clothes need to be washed. There will always be something to do. What matters is not our busyness, but rather how we face those tasks. Do we complete the tasks with love and prayer or do we allow our minds to fill us with thoughts of frustration and anxiety?
Faith Chat Questions:
Adults/Youth: Martha chose to serve. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet. Of those two actions, service or contemplation, with which do you feel more comfortable? Why?
Children: Name a time when you shared what you had with your brother or sister, a friend, or a classmate. How did you feel when you shared?
Faith Response: Imagine Jesus is coming to your home for a visit. What will you do to prepare? What will you do during his visit? Actually do what you would do if Jesus came for a visit. Set an extra plate at your meal table. Include Jesus in your family conversation - ask him questions, share your thoughts. Have fun imagining that Jesus is really with you...which, of course, he is!
Pray: Christ Jesus, may we welcome you in all that we do: our work, our study, our time with family and friends, our prayer and contemplation. Help us to recognize your presence in all whom we meet and greet. Amen.
