Martha and Mary

   “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman name Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; (Luke 10: 38 -40)

   Martha and Mary both served the Lord, but they represent two quite different spiritual paths.  Martha, the active and Mary, the contemplative.  Both are necessary and both are of value in serving our Lord.

   For some, like Martha, the active life is where they blossom.  It is where they best serve our Lord.  In feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless they serve Jesus.  Martha might express her spirituality in organizing and running a shelter for the homeless, feeding them and seeing to their needs.

   Mary represents the life of a spiritual contemplative; one who devotes their life to prayer and listening to the word of God in the scripture and in His creation.  Mary would do well as a sister in a cloistered order, spending her life in silent prayer and contemplation of God, seeking an increase of His kingdom here on earth.

   Some serve best by choosing either the active or the contemplative way.  Others strike a balance between the two.  They are active in their contributions of time, talent, and treasure, but also establish a prayer life that incorporates the contemplative, taking time for silent communion with the Lord.  When we sincerely seek God, He will lead us in the way that is best for us.

There are many ways I can serve You.

I can’t do them all.

Show me the way that is best for me.

Let me serve You as You will.

Amen