Action or Contemplation?

10Oct
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 chooses to sit and listen while Martha choses to welcome and work. Jesus may be calling Martha out, not for her wonderful works of hospitality, but for her worrying and being distracted. Mary is focused on one thing while Martha is scattered, feels neglected and resentful. When I feel a resentment coming on, it is many times because of my unrealistic expectations of a person or a situation or my attempts to control the outcome.

As I reread this parable, the word “discernment” emerged. The lesson here may be that both an active life and a contemplative life are needed. There are times when we need Martha’s active, take charge energy to get things done. And times when we need to slow down, take a deep breath, be still, listen to the birds and just be present. It is OK to slow down and feel our feelings. 

When we are out of balance or feeling stressed, we can turn to prayer for guidance and discernment. One well known prayer that helps me is the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  

A counselor once advised that when I was in doubt, to do nothing. Just pause, be still for a moment and some clarity would emerge. 

Musical Reflection - Bach and Biber - Music for the Pause

Loving God, Help us to discern your will in our lives; to see and set our priorities carefully. To know when to listen and when to take action. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.
Gospel
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#serenityprayer #mary #martha

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