Every night, Sydney, Chris and I try to touch base. Typically, after conversing about our days, we take a moment for our version of prayers. This includes acknowledging something that happened during the day about which we are mad, sad, glad, or scared. Something about which we are thankful. And something we expect or hope to do tomorrow. This past week, some of the things I included in that hope to do list were work on a sermon, work on updates to my comprehensive exam, attend a workshop and focus group, write an article for Huron Church News, and garden.
Who here does something similar, and makes note of the things that need to get done? What does that look like for you?
It seems rather normal for people to focus on doing things. Doing is important. There are expectations that I will preach on a Sunday and do other things related to my role. Everyone needs supplies and thus goes shopping or otherwise gathering. We need to eat and that requires someone to cook or at least order food. There are bills to pay if we want to continue to have a home, car, and phone. There are health concerns that can arise if we don’t clean after ourselves from time to time. Appointments can make a difference in reference to our health and wellbeing. There are any number of other practical reasons why things need doing.
Now as they went on their way, (Jesus) entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home…Martha was distracted by her many tasks;
When Jesus visits Martha and Mary, we are told that Martha is all about doing. She is playing the host, cooking, cleaning, and serving her guests. These are important roles, enabling visitors to experience hospitality. It would be hard to imagine inviting someone to our homes and not doing some of the basic things that are expected with such an invitation.
(Martha) had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.
In contrast to Martha, Mary provides hospitality by being present to the guest. In this instance Mary doesn’t allow doing to distract from being. She honours Jesus by giving her entire attention to him. When Martha complains, Jesus responds by telling her that Mary has chosen the better part – not because she gets out of the work, but because she is blessed by the experience of listening to and being with Jesus.
We could learn a lot from Mary in this story. While our world often prioritises doing things, there are blessings when we let go of distractions and seek to be fully present in the moment. Some of my favourite moments in this work have to do with spending time with folks. I have had some wonderful visits with shut ins, listening to their stories and engaging in prayer. I cherish the lunch we enjoy together following the Good Friday family service and the relaxed, family feel to our Christmas morning celebration. I love moments of community, fellowship, and engagement during worship throughout the year and conversations at pasta dinners, markets, and other events. I love watching WECAP and the band rehearse, hearing stories from the clothing cupboard, connecting with the wider community at the flag raising and other events, and pausing to pray when concerns arise. There are blessings in being fully present, listening, sharing and engaging with people. This is something I treasure about this role.
Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Jesus’ point in this moment highlights the value of being present to others. It should also be noted that the one to whom Mary is present is Jesus himself. There is blessing in sitting at Jesus’ feet. What this looks for each of us might be different. It could be reading the Bible or other spiritual book. It could be a sense of mindfulness as we wander in creation. It could be time spent in meditation and prayer. Time spent with God is never wasted. It is an opportunity to know and experience God’s love, grace, and forgiveness. Time spent with God opens us for transformation.
Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
May we continually choose to let go of distractions and spend at least a bit time with God every day so that we too can be nourished and renewed by God’s presence. This we pray as we sing: 532 What a friend we have in Jesus