In our Gospel lesson for tomorrow (Luke 10:38-42), we have the story of Jesus dropping by Martha's house. The text does not say that Martha was trying to prepare a meal for our Lord, but we assume that if she invited him in, she wanted to feed him. This would have been a good hostess thing do do.
But Martha's sister Mary had a different idea. Instead of feeding Jesus, Mary would let Jesus feed her. She would sit at his feet, listen and learn. Mary would simply be in the presence of Jesus.
Because Martha got upset with Mary for not helping her, we often use the story of Martha and Mary to show the difference between doing and being. It feels right to do things for God -- to help our neighbors, take flowers or chicken soup to someone who is sick, work on a Habitat house -- and that's a good thing. But sometimes it is good to be like Mary -- to sit in the presence of Jesus and bask in the glow of his love and grace. Sometimes it is a hard choice between doing and being, but Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part.
In peace,
The Rev. Linda McCloud
But Martha's sister Mary had a different idea. Instead of feeding Jesus, Mary would let Jesus feed her. She would sit at his feet, listen and learn. Mary would simply be in the presence of Jesus.
Because Martha got upset with Mary for not helping her, we often use the story of Martha and Mary to show the difference between doing and being. It feels right to do things for God -- to help our neighbors, take flowers or chicken soup to someone who is sick, work on a Habitat house -- and that's a good thing. But sometimes it is good to be like Mary -- to sit in the presence of Jesus and bask in the glow of his love and grace. Sometimes it is a hard choice between doing and being, but Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part.
In peace,
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
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