m & m
"Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him to her home. She had a sister named Mary." —Luke 10:38-39
Some people say they are like Martha; others say they are like Mary. However, the Lord is not calling us to be Martha or Mary, but Martha and Mary.
We should imitate Abraham, Sarah, and Martha by making great sacrifices in offering hospitality. Prior to our high-tech times, a family began preparing a meal by picking out a steer and working with flour (Gn 18:6-7). No freezer, microwaves, or packaged foods! To offer hospitality was a monumental, sacrificial task. We can understand why Martha complained about being left alone to do such daunting household tasks (Lk 10:40).
We also need to imitate Mary by sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to His words (Lk 10:39). This too is a formidable task. Listening to someone, especially to God, is often more challenging than the hardest work.
All workers must be listening to the Lord, or they won't know what they're doing or why they're doing it. All listeners need to do some working. Those who hear God's word must do God's word, or they will be deceiving themselves (Jas 1:22). "Work with anxious concern to achieve your salvation" (Phil 2:12). Only those who are like both Martha and Mary are like Jesus. Be like Jesus.
Prayer: Father, teach me to work, listen, and sacrifice.
Promise: "Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." —Col 1:24
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen from the dead! He will raise us from the dead to live with Him forever. Alleluia!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 2, 1997