Today’s scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
Guilty. I am a Martha. I have always been a Martha and at my core I will always be a Martha. But to all you other Marthas out there, this is not all bad.
Possessing an attitude of hospitality was an expectation in Jesus’ day and Martha fulfilled this expectation with pride and a spirit of joy. She flung the doors of her home wide open to provide comfort, rest, and food to a man who was known among many as a heretic and troublemaker. I can picture Martha dashing from task to task — sifting flour, grinding spices, kneading dough, stoking the fire — all in an effort to prepare the finest meal possible for her guest.
To some of you Marthas, it may seem as if Mary was not considering the practical needs of hosting a guest and that she left Martha alone to deal with all the preparations. But Jesus upholds Mary as an example because she has focused on building her relationship with him. It is important to note that Jesus does not condemn Martha for her spirit of hospitality, just for her lack of focus on relationship.
So this is where we Marthas need to direct our attention. When entertaining guests at home, just let the dishes go until everyone leaves and instead share stories and dreams with one another. When a co-worker comes into the office to brag about his kid’s touchdown, make eye contact for those five minutes instead of typing and listening with only half an ear. When rushing around in a church group or ministry team to get things done for God, pause to remember that these things are being done for relationship with God.
Let’s be the kind of Martha that is infused with a spirit of relationship like Mary!
Thought for the day: Be careful not to move through your day head down with tunnel vision. Consciously engage with the people around you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.