I have always struggled with the story in the Bible where Martha, the sister of Lazarus, is basically slaving over a hot stove in the kitchen while her sister Mary sits and listens to Jesus. For some unknown reason (to me--I would have just grabbed my sister by the arm and taken care of business), Martha goes to Jesus and asks Him to make Mary help.
Jesus told her, " Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 ESV
Note the chapter ended there. Later, Martha would be the one to tell Jesus that she had every faith that He could raise her brother from the dead. She had faith. She just knew there was work to be done.
I've always struggled with the above story because I'm a Martha. Note the chapter ended there. I wonder what Martha did after Jesus said that. Me, I'd be tempted to go in the kitchen, slam some pots and pans, grab a sandwich for myself and go for a walk.
Jesus could feed himself--and the five thousand--if that's the way He was going to be about it.
I wonder...
So, leaving theology aside for a bit, here is a poem I wrote about this struggle...
For the Martha and Mary
Lord,
It is morning outside.
I am alone, no one else in my household up at this time,
But You and me and the songbirds.
The sunrise glare so unreal that I wonder if I imagine the peach,
And purple, until a snowy white egret flashes across the sky,
Bringing reality to your beautiful creation.
Lord,
It is day.
Work and running from place to place and survival,
Take all my time and I forget about You.
Always a Martha, rarely a Mary,
Putting second and things first,
But a woman has to eat.
Lord,
It is night outside.
The earth has drifted away,
From the sun and darkness has plummeted, eclipsing the hurry.
Watch over me, us,
Lest we, too, turn away from your glory.
For you are the Light, an unending spark,
Strengthening our soul and reminding us of the first.
The lighthouse guides us along your paths,
Grant us a forever with you,
Sitting on the floor,
reflecting your Glory,
Fed by your Word.
Christina Sinisi 5/27/2023