In the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus visited the house of these two women. Mary just sat at Jesus feet listening while Martha was busy at the kitchen and other preparations to entertain Jesus as a visitor. Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her.
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
To which Jesus answered: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha was busy trying to be a hospitable hostess. We can relate to this scenario because when we have visitors, often we also become so busy. We want to prepare the best snacks, the best drinks or best bed if he or she will stay overnight. We exert extra effort to make the surroundings cleaner and smelling nice. But like Jesus, friends who visit you surely do not come for the snacks or the bed? They come to be with you, to see you face to face you, to engage your attention.
In our relationship with Jesus, very often we are so busy with the “works” for the Lord but forget to have time to “talk” personally with the Lord. Sometimes our days are so busy with our jobs, family, community works, charity works, projects for the poor and many economic and social actions that at the end of the day, we go home very tired and forget even to thank God for all the blessings we had for the day. Upon getting up in the morning, we just rush around getting ready for the myriad of tasks waiting for us. We forget even to say our thanks to God for keeping us safe during the night!
Being a “Martha” is unavoidable. And it is actually good. But we should not also forget that we need to have the qualities of “Mary”. Despite our busy activities, we can still be like Mary.There are many ways…
For instance, while riding on the bus or driving your car going to work, you can talk with God offering to him the works you will do for the day. You can thank him for the health that enables you to drive that car in the first place!
You can also ask the Holy Spirit to infuse your being so that whatever you do or say today will give glory to God. You can also look around you and thank God for the gift of prosperity. As you take your meals, you can thank God for giving you abundance because many people do not have food for the day. When you encounter difficulties in your work, you can offer it to God as your sacrifice.
With a little practice, being like Mary can be a natural part of you. Later on, you will just realize that you are talking constantly and in communion with the Spirit of God every breath that you take. And the beauty of it is that, you will be happier and life will be easier then.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the serenity of heart and the natural desire to be in constant communion with you in mind and spirit. Grant us the grace to be calm and walk in your presence everyday of our life. Help us always to remember the teachings of Jesus and to give importance to the things that matter most in life. This I pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
