Fears and Tears

St. Martha came to my mind last week. She is one of my favorite saints. She is a great example for me to keep my eyes on Jesus and choose the better part.

I read this scripture quite often, as it always brings out something new for me to sit with and to contemplate the words that stand out.

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 and feel burdened and weighed down. To look to others to what they are doing or not doing. To feel self pity, alone, and unloved. To take the burden upon myself. To let anxiety overtake my thoughts. But that is not living in the truth and it is far from peace.

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 does not allow Mary to be disturbed and protects her sacred time. Mary remains at Jesus’s feet with her heart all in.

Jesus calls me by name and desires for me to choose the better part. He sees me, He loves me and He calls me to keep close to Him. To be in the present moment and to have peace in my heart. To sit at the feet of Jesus and listen like Mary did. What a beautiful example of humility and receptivity.

Whatever I am doing in my ordinary life; the Lord is with me, am I with Him?

Lord, I choose the better part, I choose You.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the saints who teach us so much and lead us to You. St. Martha, pray for us. St. Mary, pray for us. Amen.