Too Busy in the Kitchen

Mary, Martha’s sister, just sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his words (Luke 10:38-42). She just sat there, hearing the words of eternal life. Can you imagine it? And he says that she chose the better part. Why would he say that? In the background, we can almost detect Martha mumbling to herself while she prepared a meal so that she could provide Jesus with the proper hospitality one gives to family and kin. Martha was showing steadfast love to their guest, for even she knew that he was a holy man. And it was hard work back then without our modern conveniences. It took her some time. Just imagine that Mary doesn’t give it a second thought. She can see this prophet in her midst because, really, they didn’t know he was actually the Savior of the world just yet! 

She knows. Mary just knows to listen to him. She received this Jesus, this anointed one, as he wanted to be received. Thank goodness for Martha, though. Otherwise, they’d have nothing to eat.

How do we receive Jesus? Do we sit at his feet, reading and hearing the Word and then listening some more, to our hearts and minds and wills? Do we receive this Good News so that it shapes us, changes us, even? Or maybe we’re too busy in the kitchen.