Distractions

Scripture: 38-39 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. 40 But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” 41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled? 42 Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take that privilege from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 The Passion) Poor Martha. I always find myself wanting to defend Martha and what she was feeling because I have a lot her in me. Some things I saw this morning in reading this again: first it is indicated that it was Martha’s home and she was the one that invited Jesus and his disciples into her home. Second, she would have seen it as a privilege to serve in that way and to have things to be the best they could be. Third, that busyness became a distraction that she could not overcome. Distractions like the one Martha faced, can so many times keep us from seeing the important things that might be right there for us. It is something that I need to constantly be aware of and work at overcoming. Help me, Lord, to look for what are the important things to see and do, and not to become so easily distracted. AMEN Father, I say to myself, “Relax and rest, be confident and serene. Keep my feet firmly on Your path and strengthen me so that I may please You and live my life before You in Your life-giving light.” Psalm 116
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