It seems to me that some people are naturally activists. They are always up and doing. Other people are naturally reflective. They want to stand back from life and consider everything carefully. In this beautiful incident from Jesus’ life, we meet two sisters who are perfect examples of these different approaches to life.

Martha is the activist. She knows that Jesus is having a very busy ministry and she has decided he needs a good meal. Martha is sure she is right and is therefore appalled when she spots her sister skiving! Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet listening carefully to him, and Martha is fuming. Mary should be working as hard as she is, and so in a complete strop, Martha goes to Jesus and tells him to order Mary to help her. Jesus’ response must have been devastating for Martha. She was so sure she was right, but Jesus gently informed her that she was completely wrong. Mary was the one who had got it right. Listening to Jesus was a much higher priority than getting the meal ready.

What are we to conclude from this story? it might seem like Jesus was saying that all housework is wrong, but he wasn’t! His point was that this was the wrong time for it. Activity and reflection are both vitally important. Yesterday, we learned that God wants all of us to turn our love into practical action like the Good Samaritan. Today, we have learned that we all need to recognise the importance of spending time at the feet of Jesus. If you are an activist like Martha, God wants you to learn the importance of sitting still and listening to him. If you are naturally reflective like Mary, you need to remember that God is also looking to you to turn your devotion into loving, costly action.

What have you learned from this story?

Lord help me to learn the importance of both action and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Amen