December 30: Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Reading:  Luke 10:  38-41

Reflection:
Are you a Mary or a Martha?  Do you open your door for others, practicing gracious hospitality, making preparations and being busy when company comes to your home.  Or, do you sit with your guests, talking and listening, not worrying about the cleanliness of the bathroom or the amount of food and beverages you have to serve?

Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him while Martha was out tidying the house and preparing the snacks.  Jesus chastises Martha for worrying too much and says Mary has chosen well!

As we get set to start a new year of serving God, let us not forget both Mary and Martha.  We all should practice good hospitality and emulate Martha’s efforts of servanthood.  But, we also need to take time to do as Mary did, sit at Jesus’ feet, and listen.  We need to be attentive to listening to God’s call, which includes growing in our faith.  We need to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and practice spending time each day in God’s Word. 

In this coming new year, make it a resolution to make time for prayer and to listen for God.  Gather with others and reflect on your faith lives.  What a joy we have to be able to be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director