Martha meets the Good Samaritan.

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42.

Last Sunday was a beautiful summer morning, one where we could turn off the AC and open all the windows to let in the fresh air. Ahhh! Lovely! It’s three weeks before the NBSI (Network of Biblical Storytellers Conference, I’ve been busy preparing for it. After breakfast, I wrote a to-do list and then went to church.

Listening to the scripture reading, I considered the challenge the minister faced in adding a fresh perspective to the Martha story. But a smile appeared on my face as I realized how much I needed to hear those words from God. It was the first sermon I heard from the new minister at Sea Cliff Methodist Church. Much to my dismay, my husband said, “You need to listen to this sermon every day.”

The minister reminded us that these verses follow the story of the Good Samaritan, which he said is no mistake. When I thought about the Good Samaritan’s to-do list, it certainly didn’t include disrupting his travels to find a place to take the beaten man. It’s not as if there were a Motel 8 off the freeway. What if he had a commitment, such as a family gathering, wedding, funeral, or business meeting? He gave not only two denarii (two days’ wages), but he also gave his precious time to bandage and guide him to a place of refuge. He added to his to-do list, saying he had to carry on, but when he returned, he would settle whatever bill was outstanding. Wow! More than compassion, he exemplified what God asks of us. To

Now we come to Martha. Was she not going and doing likewise? Was she not ministering to Jesus and his disciples by preparing a meal for them? Can you tell who I relate to? I had just said to my husband, “I’m doing too much.” Chuckling, he replied, “Oh really, when did you realize this?” But it’s good things I want to do and feel called to do.

Then the minister asked Is Christ in your house? He mentioned Jesus says Martha’s name twice, so we know he was being compassionate. Can we imagine he held both of her hands, his eyes soft, his gentle voice calming her? Do we become so engrossed in doing what is deemed good in the eyes of the Lord that we lose sight of keeping Christ at our core?

The sermon concluded by asking us to lie down our concerns and entrust them to him. Do our best and let go of control.

What stayed with me the most is the question, “Is Christ in your house?” Is Jesus looking at us, taking our hands, his eyes soft, and gently reminding us to choose what is better?

May we hear the Lord’s words in our hearts to make the right choice.