St. Martha questioned whether Jesus was concerned about her situation (Lk 10:40). She also felt "all alone" (Lk 10:40). Next, she felt compelled to order Jesus to order her sister, St. Mary, to help her (Lk 10:40). Martha was wrong on all counts. Jesus did care about every aspect of her life (see 1 Pt 5:7). He loved her very much (Jn 11:5) and would give His life for her. Secondly, although Martha did not have the kitchen help she wanted, she had Jesus, Who is God and Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), as her dinner Guest. This is hardly being "all alone." Finally, when Martha gave an order to her Lord, she contradicted the very meaning of the word, "Lord." A lord gives orders rather than receives them.
Why was Martha so wrong about the Lord and His love? Unlike her sister Mary, she had not "seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His words" (Lk 10:39). When we practice the disciplines of a disciple, when we listen, pray, and obey, we will know God cares, that we are not alone, and that He alone is Lord. Therefore, sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words.
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to prove me wrong (Jn 16:8). |
| PROMISE: | "One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." –Lk 10:42 |
| PRAISE: | "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus very much" (Jn 11:5). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College