Jesus visits Martha and Mary Luke 10:38-49
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Jesus knocked at my door. Of course, my sister and I welcomed him and invited him to dine with us. I wanted to present the best meal I could; spicy broth, roast lamb, sticky date pudding. Set the table, dust the chairs, put out the best crockery… Oh no! I’ve dropped our best wine glass. Bother! The broth has come to the boil … I can’t be everywhere at once! Why can’t Mary help me, instead of just sitting with our guest, the lazy thing!’
I rescue the broth, clean up the broken glass, anger rising like the boiling soup. Why can’t Mary help me?
I storm into the room where the two of them are sitting peacefully. ‘Jesus, why don’t you tell her to help me? You can hear that things are not going well!’
‘Oh, Martha, Martha! Do one thing at a time. Mary is OK here. She’s calm and at peace. Don’t take that away from her. And thanks for the lovely meal, especially the broth.’
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· What do I do when things don’t go right?
· Do I want to do things by myself, or am I happy to work with other people?
· Do I help others when I see there is a need?
· Do I take time to let go of the business of the day?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to work for your greater glory, not my own. Help me to be calm in the midst of turmoil. I do not have to save the world. You have done that already. Thank you. Amen.