FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
A TIME OF TRANSITION
(Part 16)
LIKE THE FAMILY OF MARTHA AND MARY
October 10, 2023
Today’s gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Aside from the Holy Family, a renowned family in the Bible is that of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. They were intimate friends of Jesus, and he visited and dined with them whenever the occasion permitted. This family is a model for us.
First, “Martha welcomed him into her house.” (v.38). We too welcome Jesus into our homes. His Spirit ought to be present in our homes. Our homes must be identifiable, by its crucifixes, paintings and other décor, and relationships as Christian homes. Our families must be living on Kingdom ground. Our families must be renewed in Christ.
Second, Mary “sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking.” (v.39). We too must listen each and every day to Jesus. This is our time of prayer, but also for the rest of the day, as we are to pray without ceasing. We are to be of Christ. We must live Christ each and every day. It is Jesus who forms us and guides us, and provides us with the graces we need in order to truly be his disciples.
Third, we like Martha are to serve Jesus. We have our mission given to us. We are a missionary community. As such, we unlike Martha are not left “to do the serving all by (ourselves)” (v.40b), but we have each other, being supportive of one another, making use of spiritual gifts given by the Spirit to each of us.
All three aspects are essential elements of God’s call to us. We are Missionary Families of Christ. All three are important. Of utmost important is our personal relationship with Jesus and our conversion and renewal in Christ. This is “the better part, and it is not to be taken from (us).” (v.42b). Then there is the renewal and strengthening of our families. Finally there is the coming together of our families to do missionary work.
There are many things and challenges in life that come to bear on our lives, but even for the all-important mission, we are not to be “distracted with all the serving” (v.40a). We must always be mindful of Jesus’ admonition to Martha, when he said, “you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one” (v.41-42a). That is Jesus. Choose the better part, and everything else will fall into place.
And don’t forget that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. We too will rise from death to new life in Jesus, to live with him eternally in heaven.
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