Luke 10:38-42
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 10:38-42 imagining what Martha might be feeling.
Luke tells us that the home to which Jesus and his disciples are welcomed is the home of a woman named Martha. This is significant because we know from John’s Gospel that Martha and Mary had a brother named Lazarus, but he is not identified as the homeowner. And although it wasn’t illegal in first century Israel for a woman to own property, it was unusual.
Martha is clearly the matriarch of this family, but she is still an adherent of other societal expectations. Her frustration with Mary may actually result from her discomfort with what Mary is doing rather than what she is neglecting to do. Because Mary is taking the posture of a disciple.
She is not just listening to Jesus for entertainment, Mary is seated at his feet learning from him - just like Jesus’ male disciples. This discipleship posture is not an option for women in first century Israel, but neither Jesus nor the male disciples seem the least bit surprised or bothered. Only Martha raises a concern.
Take a moment to contemplate this situation. Then consider whether you have ever felt uncomfortable with the visible aspects of someone else’s relationship with Jesus. Ask Jesus to reveal what might be the root cause of your discomfort.
Read Luke 10:38-42 again with this in mind.
It could be that Martha very much wants to show hospitality to Jesus, but she is missing out on the joy of this act of worship, either because of her envy of Mary, or because she is too caught up in the details of caring for her guests to enjoy the company of Jesus.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, still yourself and simply notice the presence of Jesus with you.
When you feel centered on Jesus’ presence, begin a dialogue with him about the activities and attitudes that may be distracting you from experiencing him throughout each day. Reject any feelings of guilt or shame that arise – just share anything that comes to mind with Jesus and see what he might want to say to you about it.
What are you hearing from Jesus today?
What will you do about that?
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