Martha and Mary
As I placed myself in the scene of the Gospel for this Sunday, July 21, 2103; I was reminded of how I am alot like both characters. My first tendency is to jump into the busyness of whatever is going on around me. I find much joy in giving of myself and love to help others; but I also love spending time at the feet of Jesus. Jesus reminded me that he loved both sisters equally and that he was using Mary as a sign of breaking down barriers of his day where it would have been taboo for women to sit at the feet of the teacher like the men of his day. I believe there is also a message for me in sitting at his feet. My favorite verses in the passage are “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things, but Mary has chosen the better part. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” I often need to be reminded that both action and contemplation are necessary. If I am only active with no contemplation, my actions can become empty. However, if I become too pious and only want to worship and contemplate, I can succumb to one of the seven deadly sins, slothfulness, and not do what Jesus calls forth from me.
I imagine Jesus chiding his good friend Martha……and telling her to lighten up……let go of your anxiety and worries and join your sister Mary…..she has chosen the better part. He knows someone has to do the busy work, but he is trying to help her to realize that relationships and love of others no matter their race, sex, socio-economic background etc. are the most important things in life. I often fall into the trap of thinking I need to do more to make a difference systemically and am sometimes afraid to help the homeless on the streets that society tells us not to give money to because they might go spend it on booze. However, as I watched the following video sent to me by one of my Creighton family members, I realized that I can make a difference with whatever I have to give if I focus on finding God in all things and remember Jesus did not say only give if they will not go spend it on booze ……He said to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. Matthew 25: 31-46. I had to admit that my own fear and my concern for wanting to make a big difference can be a hindrance and prevent me from being as generous with my time and money as Jesus calls me to be……..
Imaginative Prayer Experience
I invite you to watch the video embedded above and place yourself in the scene of the Martha and Mary Story using Ignatian Contemplation and allow Jesus to speak to your heart……….
Let us all stop and ponder:
- How might we be like Martha? Allowing our busyness to hinder our love of God and love of neighbor?
- How might we be like Mary? How do you respond to her gentle spirit?
- Do you ever fall into the trap of being overly zealous about your prayer allowing it to prevent you from the action Jesus is calling you to?
- Do you ever fall into the trap of busyness allowing it to prevent you from the contemplation needed to make your actions filled with love?
- What barriers might need to be broken down in our day?
- What might Jesus be trying to teach you about yourself and others through the Martha and Mary Story?
Let me hear from you in the comments or click the “like” button if this post speaks to you……
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“Taken from the The Hopeless Romantic: Falling in Love with God site of Patti Clement. www.patticlement.wordpress.com Used with Permission.”
The Hopeless Romantic: Falling in Love with God 