![]() |
Environmental
Stewardship Commission
(MEESC) |
![]() |
Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
Lectionary
Reflection
Gospel Lesson
Year C, Proper 11
Luke 10: 38-42
As Jesus and his disciples went
on their way, Jesus 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."
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. The work of the rabbi and his disciples have most recently been focused on the implications of discipleship. (They have most recently returned from the journey on which they have been sent.) Now Jesus asks them to retrain their focus from being disciples in the world (with all the world's concerns and distractions) to being a student. How hard it is for us to be still, and listen to God speaking to us. Some people seem to be comfortable with the ability to be still, but many more of us rebel against that solitude. Jesus reminds all of us who would be "Marthas" that it is better to take the time to listen at Jesus' feet.
Many of us find that certain locations are more conducive to listening than others. Sometimes we need to get away from it all in order to hear God speaking to us. We are often more able to listen to the fullness of God's voice in the midst of nature. We can be energized by knowing a higher power is REALLY in control; we can be reminded that we are not (nor do we have to be) the primary force making things happen in the world; we can be rejuvenated by learning from the natural world and strengthened to return to be engaged in our ministry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MEESC
Holy Trinity Church Box 65 Elk River, MN 55330-0065 USA |
The MEESC assumes that all correspondence received
is for publication on this web site. If your comments are not for publication,
please so note on your correspondence. The MEESC reserves the right to
decide which items are included on the website.