Martha and Mary

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

I am one of five, four girls and one boy. Chores of all sorts were essential to the survival of this large crew, and we did dishes, trash collecting, vacuuming and ironing at an early age. I have climbed up on the roof with my dad to repair it, mown lawns, put up wallpaper, painted and was all around DYI sidekick. We all were to some extent. My Dad's favorite phrase when we whined about seeing friends was, "just stick with me." Some of my siblings were better than I was at weaseling out of chores. I resented it, as all siblings do. We hear the story of Martha's complaint, and I have to say, I get her. Jesus sides with Mary which must have made Martha's blood boil. Yet, if we listen more deeply, we can hear Jesus inviting Martha, and all of us, to sit with him, in order to be refreshed and renewed by word and love. Too often our busyness keeps us from prayer, from study, and from drawing daily close to God. Jesus always aches for us to take the refreshment and time we need, despite the dishes, the laundry, and all the other chores crying out for attention.

Gracious Creator, you invite us to your table

you set a place for each of us and welcome all

you offer rest, reflection and time to pray

which is so needed in our chaotic lives.

We get so wrapped up in the pile of chores

that we forget to draw near to you in prayer

we put off the quiet time you call us to

and complain about those who rest in you.

Help us to listen to your heart of love

which calls us to put all the busyness down

and to lean into scripture and prayer

so your love my rekindle the joy in our hearts. Amen.