Scriptural Reference:
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:
In today's hectic World of being Politically Correct and of Feminist Theology we find this age old story. There are those who would like to paint Jesus as just another dominant male in a male society. Seeking to subjugate females. Even some who who like to go as far as to recreate both God and Jesus as being female. None of this is Biblical or correct. No matter how hard the spin doctors work.

In this amazing yet short story we find two vastly different people. One that represents perhaps the old order of things. The need to be active and working to prove ones worth. I know of many within the Churches I have gone to who fit this description. Women and Men who feel that if they aren't the centre of it all, they are not getting recognise for their efforts. Those that seem to always be pushing to stay in control of it all and seldom slowing down to look around them. If they did, they might see the people they have walked all over to get to where they want to be.

So the first person is Martha. In her we find the stereotypical female. Busy in the kitchen and the pantry and every where else that he servitude is needed. She is portrayed as making all the preparations for the comfort and food of Jesus and those who are with him. She is as modern terminology would have it Flat Out. She is fulfilling her role admirably. If you were to ask her she might have even stated with a certain level of self congratulations that she is where she is best to be.

Then we have Mary. She has broken many norms for her day. Firstly she has walked away from any idea of being a servant. She hasn't lifted a finger to help her Sister Martha with the food preparations. In fact she is portrayed as sitting closely at the feet of Jesus. Hanging on his every word. The very closeness of a female to a male teacher such as Jesus would cause a stir. She has taken a place that in Jewish society only a male disciple or student would be honoured to have. But there she is.

We then have the conflict between Martha and Mary. Notice how Martha goes right to the top. She doesn't go to Mary and tell her off directly. She doesn't ask one of the Disciples to intervene on her behalf. No, she goes right to the Master himself and demands he put Mary right. Tell the lazy Sister of mine to get back to work. I'm here doing it all on my own she demands. And expects on;y the most important person to deal with this matter.

But then we find the reply from Jesus to be both sympathetic and confronting. He recognises that Martha is doing and chasing a lot of things. She is as he expresses mindful of many things. Yet with this he gently explains that Mary has chosen the only real thing that is important. Does this in any way diminish what Martha had been doing? I would so no. It's not what Martha was doing but why she was doing these things. For me it seem she was doing things out of some sort of ritualised obedience. Not from a love of service that Jesus mentions in the Gospels. Nor has she even noticed the importance or impact of what Jesus was telling those who were listening.

I have chosen the title for this reflection "Service and Focus"with some care; as to me there needs to be a balance of the two. True we are called to service. But we are also called to be mindful of what we are focused on. Not to let our intentions to take centre stage over our need to stay focused on the Gospel message. When was the last time you stopped and reviewed the reason you do or say something? When was the last time you may have found yourself juggling between searching the Scripture or Working in the Kitchen?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,

There are so many things that demand my attention.
To be seen to be active in the Church.
To be seen to be active in the community.
To be seen to be busy no matter what.

Yet like Mary, I still need to Stop!
Take time to listen to your gentle voice.
Search you Holy Bible for guidance.
Share in the Faith with other believers.

Teach my heart to seek only you.
Over the crazy drone of this World.
In my every day dealings with others.
Keep me ever mindful of your Grace.

Amen