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Choosing the Better Part – Lectio Divina

July 21, 2013 By Jean Wise

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)

Mary has chosen the better part.

Lord I love this story about your friends, Mary and Martha.
Often I feel like I am both of them.
I welcome you into my home.
I open the door of my heart to you, excited to be with you, then I busy myself with the details of life, ignoring your presence.
Sidetracked by my to do lists, detoured by my doubts, focused only on my ego driven wants and desires, and consumed to accomplish something, I never think to stop and enjoy you. 
Mary chooses the better path.
Mary sits at your feet listening, learning, loving you.
Mary’s heart and Martha’s hands. 
One occupied with you, the other preoccupied.
One still, the other fidgets with the trivia.
One comes to you empty; the other so full nothing more can be taken in.
Lord I know there are times you need me to be Martha, serving you with the work you have given me.  Help me find and keep the balance of duty with devotion, pursuits with prayer, and accomplishments with adoration.
Offset my Martha and equalize my Mary so I can choose the better part – You.

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Filed Under: lectio divina

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Colleen, I know we both follow the lectionary and when I read what others write on their blogs each week, it multiplies the blessing!

  2. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    Balance in all areas of our life, right? so hard to keep but I am thinking that is just life. We need to be aware all the time as soon as we start leaning too much one way and restore the balance as soon as we can. Life long learning I believe. Thanks for stopping by the blog.

  3. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    Thanks for praying along with me.

  4. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    Welcome to the Martha club, Barbie. I have felt called this past year to sit at his feet and keep wondering when he plans to move me. I am learning the answer is probably never! LOL

  5. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Blessings on your week

  6. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Just stopped by your blog and left a comment, We have lots in common. Forgot to mention we are both nurses and from the midwest. So glad you stopped by

  7. blankcolwrite says

    July 23, 2013 at 5:03 am

    Great reflection. I could relate to a lot of what you said here. I love being Mary but I know I need to be Martha too sometimes!
    I wrote reflection on this gospel too. Go figure.

  8. blankJen says

    July 22, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    So good! Yes…balance is key…isn’t it, my friend! Not sure any of us really “master” that…but by grace all of us can pursue the growth of our hearts, while being busy producing with our hands!

  9. blankMari-Anna Frangén Stålnacke says

    July 22, 2013 at 11:08 am

    I join you in the prayer. AMEN. Thank you. Be blessed!

  10. blankBarbie says

    July 22, 2013 at 1:42 am

    I can honestly say that I have more Martha tendancies than I do Mary. I long to sit at His feet, if only I could stop long enough. Thank you for sharing this post at The Weekend Brew!

  11. blankRona Berry-Morin says

    July 21, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    Just stopping by for a visit from Jumping Tandem’s Sunday blog hop.

    What a wonderful post.

    Happy Sunday.

  12. blankCeil says

    July 21, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    Hi Jean! Great post, as I heard the same Gospel today. I was reading a reflection on this passage, and it was very much like your idea.

    i like the idea of being so much more at ease with my guests! It really is respectful.

    I LOVE Henri Nouwen. I just got back from a trip that included a visit to the Hermitage in Russia. Stop by my blog to see a photo of The Return of the Prodigal Son. (Its not that great a picture, but I so enjoyed being there!)

    Great to stop by today 🙂

    Peace in Christ,
    Ceil

  13. blankMia says

    July 21, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Dear Jean
    This is the prayer of my heart too!
    Blessings XX
    Mia

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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