Tuesday 5 October 2021

Today is Tuesday the 5 October, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. 

One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. 

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. 

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

In Luke’s gospel we come across a number of familiar situations. This account of Martha and Mary is one of those times when people often take sides. Their names have become synonymous with various roles within communities. Is there a sister who speaks to you particularly at this time?

Jesus seems to favour Mary’s decision at this time. How do you respond to this? With an acceptance or a ‘yes, but’…?

Maybe Mary is chosen, not because she is there at his feet but because of a word used twice in this short passage. Martha is distracted, Jesus sees that she is distracted. Martha may well be someone who is spiritually fed by activity, through her hospitality, but not this day. This day she is distracted by ‘many things’ and chooses to blame Mary.  As you listen to the reading again, consider when you have felt Martha’s distraction in prayer. 

As this time of prayer comes to a close, ask the Lord to show you the way to your place at his feet. 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.