Insights from Mary & Martha

            Over the summer, I watched Season 4 of The Chosen, including the episode where Jesus visits Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany (cf. Lk. 10:38-42).  In my opinion, the series does an excellent job of portraying this visit, as Jesus affirms both Mary and Martha in what they are doing – while explaining at the same time why he’s not about to tell Mary to go and help in the kitchen.

            However, it was in an interview afterwards with some of the actors that some new insight emerged.  One of them reflected on how Mary was able to “be in the moment,” paying full attention to Jesus and what he was saying and teaching.  Martha, by contrast, had a mind that was somewhere else – thinking about everything that needed to be done, including providing food and drink for her guests.

            As it turns out, I can relate to this description of Martha.  My mind is often somewhere else – either replaying something from the past or jumping ahead to what needs to be done before the next deadline.  It can be a real challenge to slow down and be in the present – fully aware of God’s presence, and open to God’s leading.

            At the same time, when we are planning and preparing for almost anything, it requires looking ahead and anticipating what will be needed.  Unless somebody else is doing all of the planning and preparation for us, it is pretty difficult to just “be in the moment” all the time.  I have often heard the comment (particularly from women) that they simply can’t afford to just sit around and do nothing like Mary.

           However, I don’t think that the point of the story has to do with how much or how little we do when company comes over.  Rather, it has to do with how we respond when an opportunity presents itself to encounter Jesus, and to learn from him.  These days, that’s not going to happen when Jesus stops by for dinner.  Instead, we might have an opportunity to worship, or to gather with others to learn from Jesus, or to pray with others, or to study the Bible with others.  It has more to do with recognizing where God is at work, and how God is trying to get our attention.

            Martha was not spending her time on things that were unnecessary.  After all, food and drink are important!  However, she was missing out on a golden opportunity to be in the presence of the Saviour of the world.

            For our part, what would it be like if we were aware of Jesus’ presence all the time, regardless of what we are doing?  What would it be like if we were fully present to the people around us, while listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?  What would it be like if we were to do the planning and preparation when needed, and then be fully present and participating?

            It is not so much a question of “doing” or “being,” as all of us need to do both.  Rather, it is about what Brother Lawrence called the practice of the presence of God – an awareness of and an openness to God’s presence and leading, regardless of what we are engaged in at the time – and boy, does this take practice!

            In Christ,

            Pastor Lynne Hutchison