The Better Part

This Sunday’s worship flow will be different than what we usually do. Call it a “contemplative” style. Instead of three scripture readings and a sermon, the middle part of the service will be a time to think, pray, listen, relax—without any other demands, than to “just be.” I will admit that sometimes church isn’t a “break” from all the pressures of the world. Sometimes the readings I preach on are challenging or difficult, and even though we need to be challenged, I then think sometimes church just needs to be a break from all that. So this Sunday, there will be time to reflect on the readings in silence. And if your mind wanders (I know mine will), that’s fine. Sometimes we need to listen to God in a different way—not from someone else—but in the quiet of our hearts. 

           The Gospel reading for Sunday, Luke 10:38-42, is the story about Jesus visiting the sisters Mary and Martha. Martha is busy being the good host, but Mary isn’t helping, just sitting at Jesus’ feet listening. When Martha appeals to Jesus to ask Mary to help, he gently chides her. “Martha, Martha, you are distracted by many things…” That’s us. “How are you doing?” “Good, but I’m so busy!” Sound familiar? There’s very little “peace” in the world. Our world and lives are constantly moving from one thing to another it seems. Last Sunday, Jesus said he didn’t come to bring peace; this Sunday he says to Martha that “Mary has chosen the better part, which will never be taken away.” 

           Mary is resting, sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening, just being with him. Away from the distractions of everything she is “supposed to do” to be a good host. Jesus is placing no demands on Mary. He’s giving her his time, care, and attention. Pure Gift! And she just listens, taking in the gift she’ll never lose.

Peace,

Pr. Christian