Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)
Read Luke 10:38-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Verse 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. Verse 40But 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." Verse 41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; Verse 42there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Devotion
The first female pastor I knew was called to a church where I worked during college. The church had been through a rocky patch, and I was struggling to discern my place in the world. Her first week there, tired and busy, she visited with me for over three hours, teaching me much and making me feel valued.
Surely Mary was aware of all the tasks at hand, but she sat at the Lord's feet and listened to him teach. She honored him with her attention, and he honored her by letting her be a disciple — a role then reserved for men.
Our world values productivity over relationships. Technology lets us multitask and work even as we sit and listen. Christ invites us daily to spend time with him and one another. There is love in setting aside the to-do list to be fully present with someone. Since Christ dwells within us, when we are present with each other, we are present with Christ.
Prayer
Loving God, your Son left heaven behind and came to dwell among us. He nourishes us at the table, reaches out to heal us, and opens our hearts to your Word. Send us to be present with each other as Christ is present with us. Amen.