The story of Jesus meeting with Martha and Mary, as told in the Book of Luke, provides readers with a valuable lesson, according to Fr. Jeffrey Kirby. In this unique story found only in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, where Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his teachings while Martha is busy with hosting duties. When Martha complains to Jesus about Mary not helping her, Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better part and that she is worried about too many things.
Kirby notes that Martha’s approach to the situation reveals a lack of humility and charity towards her sister Mary. Instead of addressing the issue privately, Martha publicly calls out Mary and attempts to humiliate her. This lack of humility and pride is what ultimately leads Jesus to admonish Martha. Despite Martha being technically correct in her complaint, her attitude towards her sister and the situation shows a lack of humility and respect, leading to her being rejected by God.
Mary’s decision to prioritize sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to his teachings is what Jesus commends in his response to Martha. Mary’s willingness to set aside other tasks and focus on seeking the kingdom of God is what Jesus encourages all believers to do. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking Him first in all things, we can find peace and rest in the midst of our busy lives.
Kirby emphasizes the importance of learning from Martha and Mary’s encounter with Jesus in our own lives. As we face busy schedules and overwhelming responsibilities, it is crucial to take a moment to relax, refocus, and spend time with the Lord. By seeking God first in all things and showing patience and charity towards others, we can experience the peace and blessings that come from aligning our priorities with His will.
This story serves as a reminder to reevaluate our attitudes and actions in light of Jesus’ teachings. Instead of being consumed by worry and distractions, we can choose to prioritize our relationship with God and seek Him first in all things. By following Mary’s example of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His teachings, we can experience the peace and rest that comes from aligning our priorities with His will.
Ultimately, the story of Jesus, Martha, and Mary reminds us of the importance of humility, patience, and seeking God first in all things. By learning from Martha’s mistake and following Mary’s example, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and experience the blessings that come from putting Him at the center of our lives.
