The Forward Day by Day Meditation for July 17, 2016 - 9th Sunday of Pentecost

Luke 10:41-42 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 from her.” 

Martha invites Jesus into her home. Why? Presumably to talk with him, to share a meal, to simply be in his presence. So what happens that she suddenly finds herself so distracted with serving that she can’t even enjoy his company?

My guess is that the throng of people always following Jesus invite themselves into Martha’s house, right along with him. Being hospitable, she makes sure everyone is reasonably accommodated, and she expects her sister to jump in and help.

Notice that Jesus all but tells Martha to stop what she is doing and sit down with Mary. One thing is needful—his word. After all, this is a man who had fed a multitude and could turn water into wine. Martha doesn’t need to serve at all.

When you sit to meditate, how many thoughts try to invite themselves into your head, right along with Jesus? Choose the better part.

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