Martha or Mary?

25Oct
But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.” But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”
- Luke 10:40-42 (AMP)


I chose a slightly different translation of this familiar story. Through various teachers and preachers, this has been my general impression of Martha. First of all, Martha is a know-it-all complainer. Second, Martha is an older sister in charge and the rule enforcer (aka a control freak). Last, Martha is either a bit dense or does not quite accept the teachings of Jesus, certainly she dismisses the call to discipleship presented. However, younger sister Mary is a smart cookie as she prizes knowledge and prioritizes the opportunities she receives.


What if, what if Martha did understand Jesus was calling her to participate in his teachings, to be in discipleship. What if it was Martha’s insecurity or anxiety keeping her from sitting down with Mary to hear Jesus’s teaching. What if, it was the fear of the unknown, the lack of personal control, the sense of utter chaos that would come if she stepped outside the well-defined boundaries of Jewish traditions and expectations. In this bible translation, Jesus’s calling Martha’s bluff is plainer spoken. Jesus calls Martha out for hiding behind the hostess job/duties when, in all likelihood, there were others who could assist with the serving. 


Are you team Mary or are you team Martha? If you are with us on team Martha, what is that nudge you feel? The one you are trying to ignore? To be more present with your family, to step away from someone or something not good for you, to visit a faraway land, maybe walk the Camino? To be “up front” in Church in some capacity – reading or serving at the Table? Or, is that nudge to let go of what was and clean out closets or storage units filled with a life you once loved. Whatever the IT is, it is not a hard decision. It is not a good decision or a bad decision to be made. It is just a decision. A start. A first step. As you move over to team Mary, you will gain wisdom and knowledge with every small step. You can always re-evaluate your decision, adjusting course as needed. Just don’t give up.


Musical Reflection - I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty


Jesus, just as you called Martha out for hiding behind her work, call me out from my hiding. Call me back to join you on this life’s path and do the tasks, large or small, the Father would have us to do. Without you, this path feels overwhelming and far too challenging. I want to stop and return to what I once knew. Remind me to look around and see the lovely souls who walk with me. You have never left me without the help I would need. Send the Spirit to breathe calmness to my anxiety and give endurance to my weaknesses as I move through the most challenging moments. The chaos will lead to order, the challenges bring growth, and the companionship makes the journey complete. Amen.

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