Mary has chosen what is better. She sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Luke privileges Mary's contemplation over Martha's work. This was shocking in a context where hospitality was sacred duty.
I come from a Martha culture. We value productivity, service, getting things done. And there's nothing wrong with that. But Luke is saying there's something better: presence. Listening. Being with Jesus rather than doing for Jesus. I'm learning this slowly. I thought if I just served harder, loved more through action, that would be enough. But sometimes people just need me to be present, to listen, to sit at their feet and pay attention. That's harder than action for me. It requires vulnerability. But it's what Jesus says is better. Maybe sometimes I need to stop the preparations and just sit.
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