A time for action and a time for contemplation

Gal 1:13-24; Psalm: 138; Lk 10:38-42

In Luke 10:38-42, we are presented with the story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. The passage highlights the contrast between Martha, who is busy serving and preparing for Jesus’ visit, and Mary, who sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teachings. This narrative offers a powerful lesson on the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly distractions.

Martha, being the hostess, is focused on making sure everything is perfect for Jesus’ visit. She is consumed with serving and taking care of the practical aspects of hospitality. On the other hand, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, eager to learn and listen to his teachings. While Martha’s actions are well-intentioned, she is reprimanded by Jesus for being anxious and worried about many things. He commends Mary for choosing the better part, which is to sit and spend time with him.

This passage serves as a reminder for us to evaluate our priorities in life. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday responsibilities and lose sight of what truly matters. Like Martha, we can become distracted by the cares of the world and neglect our spiritual well-being. We need to follow Mary’s example and prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

In today’s society, we are often encouraged to be busy and productive, constantly striving for success and achievement. However, this passage challenges us to slow down and take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. It is in these moments of stillness and reflection that we can truly connect with God and nourish our souls. By focusing on our relationship with God, we can find peace and fulfillment that surpasses any earthly pursuit.

Ultimately, the story of Martha and Mary reminds us that there is a time for action and a time for contemplation. Both are essential in our journey of faith, but we must not neglect the latter in favor of the former. As disciples of Christ, we are called to emulate Mary’s example of sitting at the feet of Jesus and prioritizing our spiritual growth. May we learn to strike a balance between serving God and spending quality time in his presence, finding peace and rest for our souls.