Fears and Tears

I am drawn to the scripture verses about Martha and Mary. It seems every time I hear the passages at Mass or read them quietly at home, the words capture me and speak to my heart.

The reading from last weekend was no different and I felt the Lord showing me insight through the eyes of Martha.

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:38-42

I can relate to welcoming Jesus into my home and losing sight of Him. To be distracted from loving and serving my Lord and my neighbor. To feel burdened and weighed down and look to others to what they are doing or not doing. To feel self pity, not being cared about and unloved. But that is not the truth.

Jesus loves Martha so much, He calls her by name twice, “Martha, Martha”, He sees her and He loves her. He desires for her to have peace in her heart, to choose the better part.

Jesus desires for me to choose the better part. He sees me, He loves me and He calls me to keep close to Him. Whatever I am doing in my ordinary life; He is with me, and that is extraordinary.

Lord, I choose the better part, I choose You. Amen. St. Martha, pray for us.