I’m still reflecting on the Mary and Martha gospel from yesterday and relishing the richness. The stories in scripture give us the key’s to knowing our Father’s heart.
As the story in Luke 10:38 goes: 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.
These two women where each bringing their gifts to Jesus as he entered their home. Martha was active in service and hospitality to Jesus. Mary was active in prayer and contemplation of the Lord. They are on an equal playing field of importance in their chosen path.
However, Martha takes her eyes off the ball so to speak and starts focusing on Mary, and this is where she gets into trouble: 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.”
This is when we see the Father’s mercy and compassionate heart: 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 story shows us the danger of distraction and what can happen when we loose sight of what is most important, Jesus. We become anxious and worried about things that need not concern us. When we serve and pray with a humble heart, we chose the better part.
Lord, grant me a heart that seeks You first.
Let my hands be guided by love,
my words shaped by grace,
and my thoughts anchored in humility.
Teach me to serve not for recognition,
but to reflect Your goodness.
In prayer, remind me of Your presence.
In action, help me live out Your will.
May I walk gently, speak kindly, and live humbly— with my eyes always on You.
Amen.
Smitten With Goodness 