Martha usually gets a bad rap. Some people like to use her as an example of the modern busyness—rather than sit and hear the words of Jesus, she (like so many of us) is consumed with her work. Other, more spiritual times, you’ll hear a preacher expound on the contemplative life of Mary as opposed to those Christians who think God can be heard just as well while we’re washing the dishes, working outside, or, even, writing.
These interpretations have their place, I suppose. It’s good to be reminded that we can be too busy. And it’s good to recall the need to “be still.” But to expound only on these two interpretations and to constantly malign poor, hard-working Martha causes us to miss something in Jesus’ words.
But before getting to those words, let’s note that Martha has a point. Having Jesus show up at the door meant there were probably more than a few extra mouths to feed. This probably threw the dinner plans all out of whack and Martha was rushing around trying to get it all together. And there’s Mary: sitting around like one of the guys, oblivious to the fact that unless she plans to take a little trip into Jerusalem for some take-out, everyone’s about to be real hungry.
Now, the way Martha went about dealing with this issue probably wasn’t the best. “Oh Mary, dear, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen,” probably would have gone a long way toward getting what she wanted. But instead of doing that she tells Jesus (dragging him into this domestic dispute) that perhaps while he’s talking about that love-thy-neighbor stuff he ought to remind little sister there that her neighbor needs the carrots cut and ice put in the glasses.
Jesus, smart guy that he is, doesn’t get caught up in this squabble. Instead, he says something completely off-topic and mysterious. In other words, he does what Jesus always does—comes from a completely different direction.
“Martha,” he says, “you are anxious and you have many troubles. But one thing is necessary.”
I can only guess that Martha had the same reaction as I did to this, which is to scratch my head and say “huh?” But as I’ve thought about it, I’ve come back again and again to those words. I too can be anxious and have many troubles. And, like Martha, I sometimes complain about something or someone but that’s not the real issue. Half the time, I don’t know what the real issue is. But, usually once someone has pointed out that I really shouldn’t be fussing at them, I realize that this is not the thing I need. It’s not help in the kitchen, someone to make up the bed, or anything that I’m complaining about that is necessary.
And that’s when I start looking for what—which one thing—I do need.
God of peace, you search us and know us. Help us as we try and find the true need buried beneath the anxiety and trouble that fill us each day.