“And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” (Luke 10:39)
Today’s story is about two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha invites Jesus into her house and is “distracted with much serving”. She is annoyed with her sister Mary, who just sits around to listen to Jesus’ words without offering any help!
When Martha can’t stand it any longer, she asks Jesus: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
But Jesus doesn’t tell Mary to stop listening and to get back to work. On the contrary, He says: “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Apparently, listening to Jesus’ words is more important at that moment than giving him and his disciples hospitality, serving tasty food, etc.
In a different context, when Jesus warns against anxiety about food and clothing, He says something similar: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
It is good to be hospitable and we must care for food and clothing. But listening to Jesus’ teaching is even more important. Do you take time to study his words?