NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
 
Prov. 8:22-35
Col. 1:21-28
Luke 10:38-42
Psalm 27
 
Some might be wary of this gospel lesson, in which Jesus seems to be rebuking the sort of practical, get-down-to-business attitude. Can Martha (and also us) be wrong to want to do what needs to be done?
 
If you remember last Sunday about the Good Samaritan, Jesus was pointing to the one who recognized the need of the robbery victim and went out of his way to help him, as a model for those who would walk in God's way. But here Jesus is concerned more that Martha is distracted by her many tasks. Enlisting Mary to help won't really solve the problem. Jesus is teaching us that we need first to focus on our center, our life in  Christ. Once we have been nourished by . . .

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
 
Prov. 8:22-35
Col. 1:21-28
Luke 10:38-42
Psalm 27
 
Some might be wary of this gospel lesson, in which Jesus seems to be rebuking the sort of practical, get-down-to-business attitude. Can Martha (and also us) be wrong to want to do what needs to be done?
 
If you remember last Sunday about the Good Samaritan, Jesus was pointing to the one who recognized the need of the robbery victim and went out of his way to help him, as a model for those who would walk in God's way. But here Jesus is concerned more that Martha is distracted by her many tasks. Enlisting Mary to help won't really solve the problem. Jesus is teaching us that we need first to focus on our center, our life in  Christ. Once we have been nourished by sitting at Jesus' feet, then we can venture out from that center to accomplish our tasks, well equipped and secure because we know that  God's love accompanies us and awaits our homecoming.
 
Christian friends, we each have a Martha side and a Mary side. One is our active serving life, the other our contemplative life. In this busy, hungry world, our Martha can overwhelm our Mary. Eager to show our love by serving Jesus, we neglect him. Jesus desires time with us. We cultivate our Mary side by keeping the Sabbath with joy and taking time with Jesus. Developing a quiet heart in a noisy world feed our inner self. Prayer becomes listening as well as talking to Jesus.
 
      How were Mary's thoughts devoted  her eternal joy to find
      As intent each word she noted at her Savior's feet reclined
      How kindled her heart, how devout was its feeling
      While hearing the wisdom that Christ was revealing.
      For Jesus all earthly concerns she forgot
      In love and devotion to what Jesus taught.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - To keep your life in balance, lean on the LORD!