If a dignitary such as a President, a minister, etc tells you of his or her visit to your house in a week’s time, what will you do? Certainly, you will prepare, you will put things in order, etc. If it means borrowing, you will do so in order to appease this dignitary. This picture is expressed in today’s Gospel (Luke 10:38-42).
- Jesus is walking with His disciples. If they are walking then it means that they are going somewhere. Note that it not only Jesus nor disciples alone. Where the Master is, there the disciples are.
In life, you need to walk with Jesus. You can’t embark on this journey all by yourself. With your strength, you will go fast; with Jesus, you will not only go far, but you would reach your destination.
- This walk of Jesus with His disciples takes them to Bethany, a town near Jerusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The name “Bethany” is derived from the Hebrew word “bet” which means “house of” & “anya” which means “poverty.” Literally, Bethany means “house of poverty.” Bethany could also mean “house of affliction, house of figs, house of answer, house of business,” etc.
The situation is that, Mary & Martha welcome Jesus into their home. Note this Mary is not the Mother of Jesus, but a different Mary. You may call her, Mary of Bethany.
The question is, why this reception to Jesus? Was Jesus related to this family? Was this the first time of accommodating the company of Jesus? Had Jesus been coming to this home?
The point is that, Jesus was welcome. This family could have driven Jesus away. They could have refused to accommodate Jesus, but they didn’t. Today, Jesus has left Bethany with His disciples. Who is ready to accept Jesus?
- When someone visits you, it’s natural to engage the person. Failure to do this will be seen as a sign of not welcome. This is what Mary did by listening to Jesus.
Today, this same Jesus is addressing you. He is speaking to you. He is telling you something. It’s not enough to welcome Jesus, listen to Him & do what He tells you.
- As Mary was listening to Jesus, Martha was rendering service. She was in the kitchen preparing something. Martha gave her very best to the Lord. Her service was not inferior, but superior.
• As a Priest, do I give my all to Jesus?
• As a Catechist, Chorister, Usher, Lector, Mass Server, Church councillor, etc what is the quality of service you render to the Lord?
• As a doctor, nurse, etc, that patient in your care is Jesus. How are you taking care of him?
• As a teacher, that student you are teaching Jesus. How are you forming him?
Today, Martha tells us that we shouldn’t just serve the Lord, we should offer our best to Him. If we give our all to Jesus & He will give His very all to you.
- Martha wasn’t happy with the attitude of Mary. She didn’t take it kindly. She didnot understand why Mary was not assisting with serving. In fact, Martha reported Mary to Jesus. This act of Martha is indicative of these points:
• If something does something which you don’t like, go to the person & address it. If you can’t go, then you must be mute. Why did Martha not directly address Mary? Was Martha afraid of Mary? Did Martha want to disgrace Mary? What if Jesus didn’t address the issue?
• In the service of Jesus, we cannot do the same thing @ the same time. Some would have to be “Martha,” others, would have to be “Mary.” Some may sing, read, usher, etc. If someone is not doing what you are doing, don’t complain because you are also not doing what the other person is doing.
How would Jesus feel if He was left alone? Provided that Mary were lazy, wouldn’t Jesus tell her rather than wait to be told before calling her to action?
• A positive act of Martha is that she voiced her concern. She didn’t keep it within her. The only problem is how she expressed herself.
Sometimes, you heal yourself when you let out what is within. If you keep it within, you hurt yourself. If you responsibly let it out, you heal yourself.
- Welcome Jesus into your heart daily
- Have time for Jesus
- Listen to Jesus
- Give the Lord your best
- Don’t complain about others when rendering service to the Lord.
It is well….🌿