Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 10, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Tuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Luke 10:38-42

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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ time with the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Whereas Martha busies herself as hostess to Christ upon His visit in her home, her sister Mary was totally focused on listening to Christ. Jesus doesn’t tell Martha that her efforts are wrong or unworthy, He tells her that her sister’s efforts at the moment are better.

How does this pertain to us today?

We struggle with this because in the modern era we are “doers.” Christ calls us to “do,” to act with loving kindness, to care for one another, to proclaim the good news. Doing is good. But our actions must be informed, and that requires time at the foot of Christ, listening. Christ calls us to be both Mary and Martha, not one or the other. We know that Martha did take time to “listen” because it is her who comes out to meet Christ after her brother Lazarus’ death, and it is her who proclaims, “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I take time to sit at the foot of Christ and listen? Do I also deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow Him? Am I open to Christ’s loving call? Do I allow it to compel me to live for Christ in word and deed?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to reveal your great truth and transformative love to us, and to prove your love for us, He gave His life upon the cross for our sins. Send your Spirit to enthuse us, to rouse us to lives marked by loving well and by living lives illuminated by faith and buoyed by hope. Grant that we may be willing to sit at the foot of your beloved Son and learn from His teachings, His revelation, His example of life lived in love, with love, and through love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.