Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, Jesus 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

I had three sisters, now just two, and between us there are Marthas and Marys. I dare not say which ones, but let's just say, although Jesus said Mary had chosen the best part, she left Martha with all of the work. Jesus wanted Martha to sit down and enjoy his presence, the chores could wait. And yet, sometimes chore avoided can be a heavy burden on just one or two. The challenge is to know which moments are sacred, setting aside the chores, and which are times when we all need to lean in and help.

Gracious God, you set us in families

with various personalities and gifts

help us to know when to work together

and when to sit and listen to your word.

Help us to labor and be useful in your fields

and help us to always take time to be renewed

let us be both Martha and Mary, serving and sitting

knowing your love in our daily lives.

Make our work holy and our rest as well

make each season a time for reflection

let us show others how to live together

as one family serving in your name. Amen.