Sunday · The Sermon
About 5 minutes · At the Table
The Sermon: Welcoming and Listening
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But 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.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:38-42
On Sunday, we gathered around the account of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary. Martha showed faithful hospitality by opening her doors and welcoming the Lord into her house.
Yet in the middle of all the necessary preparation, Mary took her place at Jesus' feet and listened to what he was saying. The Lord reminded Martha that in our desire to serve, we must not lose the one essential thing.
As we begin this week, we are invited to consider how we welcome Christ. True hospitality to the Lord includes making room to sit quietly and hear his voice.
Quiet Reflection
Where in your life this week are you tempted to be busy serving without first stopping to listen?
Beginning the Week
- Read slowly through Luke 10:38-42 once more.
- Set aside five minutes today to sit in silence before the Lord.