This Gospel lesson comes immediately after the parable of the Good Samaritan. This account, along with numerous others throughout the Gospels reveal a certain rhythm in the life of Jesus. Jesus shows in the story that what we need in the Christian life is balance. A balance between work and worship. A balance between doing and listening. A balance between a faith that is active in love and a faith renewed by our time in the presence of God. This is what I mean by the rhythm of faith.
Although Mary and Martha were sisters, they were very different in personality and temperament. Ever since Luke first penned this story, Mary and Martha have been symbols of two aspects of the Christian life. Mary represents the disciple who is a WORSHIPER. She is receptive, meditative and devotional. When we first encounter Mary in the story she is “sitting at the feet of Jesus” (Verse 39). In the Middle East to “sit at the feet” of someone symbolized discipleship. It was a posture assumed by the student in order to learn and receive from the teacher. Mary loved being “at the feet of Jesus.” When we meet her in this Scripture that is where we find her. On the other hand, Martha is busy with the practical things that make hospitality possible. Do we have to choose one or the other, work or worship?
Sometimes our faith developments, like other spheres of our lives, get stuck in a rut. Things get out of balance and we have difficulty setting the priorities that are best for us and best for those around us. More often than not, if we can reestablish the rhythm of our faith, the rest of our busy lives become more balanced and fulfilling. This passage gives us ample food for thought about this important aspect of our lives.
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