At a recent Contemplative Dialogue, we read together the short episode in Luke’s gospel where Jesus visits the house of friends in Bethany. There are two sisters at the house: Martha who makes great efforts to prepare the home and food to welcome Jesus and Mary who simply sits and listens to Jesus speaking.
Many of us will have felt sympathy with Martha and recognised the impulse to do what we can to welcome an honoured guest. Yet the name, and term, Martha has often been used as synonymous with domestic or low skilled drudgery. Perhaps because “Martha-work” can be repetitive and unexciting. Whether it’s cleaning, cooking and caring in our own homes or tasks that feel repetitive and humdrum in our workplaces, it’s not uncommon for Martha-work to fill all available space, without bringing much joy or energy.
So how do we feel when Jesus responds to Martha’s frustration at the lack of help from Mary by commending Mary’s choice to prioritise sitting and listening to him?
Perhaps we could try letting go of the tasks and demands for a few minutes or so and just listen. Listen to the sounds of the birds outside the window, the wind in the trees or passing traffic. And then listen more deeply and hope to hear the still, small voice that reminds us of the things that are eternal. When we do this we may feel our shoulders drop and our breathing deepen. Maybe we feel a sense of peace and refreshment. We still need to return to our Martha-work, but those moments when we step aside from our daily routines can allow space for the spirit to breathe within us and stay with us in our day to day work and lives.
You may wish to listen to this song, ‘Come Mary, Come Martha - YouTube’ as it invites us to consider that all of our life and work is sacred.