Feeding the Christ Within

We live in a society that celebrates our inner Marthas; we are affirmed for being productive, busy, and active. Our inner Marys, on the other hand, receive minimal, if any, encouragement. Taking time to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus is often seen as lazy, unproductive, and a waste of valuable time.

We all too easily identify with the overworked, irritated Martha. “Seems like I am always the one doing all the work,” we readily complain. And when Martha approaches Jesus to speak her mind, we cheer her on and say, “You go, girl!” We have been in her shoes and long to be acknowledged for our hours of unrecognized hard work.

However, as is often the case, Jesus turns our expectations upside down and inside out. Rather than encouraging Mary to get up and help, he encourages Martha to slow down and rest. Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are racing around like a chicken with its head cut off, distracted from what really matters. No need to worry so much about your ‘to do’ list. Mary has found the better way by slowing down and being present with me” (ap). Note that Jesus does not chastise Martha or tell her that her work is unimportant. He points out that she approaches her tasks with a spirit full of worry rather than full of an awareness of Jesus’ presence.

When we make time to sit at the feet of Jesus, even for just a moment, our souls are refreshed. We can then tend to our tasks full of assurance and trust rather than full of worry and distraction.