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Reading: Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worriedand upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection

I love this passage. It gives us a small window into an "everyday," "ordinary" even in Jesus' life and ministry--entering the home of another (something he did on a very rergular basis), talking (Jesus talked and taught a lot), in relationship with others (Jesus had so many relationships with others!), people preparing a meal, etc.

What I pointed out in my recent class I was leading is that this is example of "holy sexuality"--Jesus in holy relationships with those of the opposite sex. He does not manipulate them, he does not demean them, he does not use them.

The picture of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus is a picture of Jesus honouring women because in that culture and day women could not and would not sit at the feet of the rabbi. That was unheard us. But by inviting Mary into that relationship of rabbi and student, Jesus honours Mary and honours her desire to learn from him.

Jesus also invites them--both Mary and Martha--into life and relationship with him.

And He does the same for us--Jesus is constantly inviting you and me into relationship with me--not to manipulate, demean or use us but rather to free us to be the people were are created to be.