Called for this time

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named 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; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha and Mary

Martha and Mary

Sisters who welcomed Jesus

Martha by offering hospitality,

working tirelessly to ensure he had everything he needed

Martha - Distracted by all her tasks, the text tells us.

Yet wasn't it Mary who was the distracted one?

Distracted from all that she'd been brought up to do

by what the hour demanded.

Mary distracted by seeing before her

a man with angst and passion written all over him

A man whose course was steering him inexorably

into the hands of the authorities

who were already out to get him

Authorities, violent and corrupt

who couldn't risk Jesus

being let loose any longer.

Martha did what she knew.

Mary did what she saw

and took the opportunity

to cherish him

and be cherished by him

while there was still time.

And perhaps today

we are called

from what we know

from what is socially acceptable

to do what is right for this time -

To fly in the face of convention

To welcome the stranger

To speak up for the oppressed 

To act irrationally in our compassion 

And to bring about

the justice of God.