“There is need of only one thing,” Jesus says to Martha. Most days, this doesn’t feel true to me. I’ve got a long to-do list, I’m trying to plan for the future and I’d love a nap. I’m sure Martha would have loved to sit with Mary at Jesus’ feet and learn from him, soaking up his words. He had the words of life, and she knew it. But other things got in the way—important, everyday things.
In preparing for Lent this year, I’m asking myself what I’m allowing to distract me. This season follows the last days of Jesus’ life on earth, before his death. Imminent death clarifies priorities. I wonder if he was wistful as he did things for the last time or if he simply blazed forward, sure of what he needed to do.
This message is an excerpt from “Just notice: Walking into Lent with Martha” by Cara Strickland in the March 2017 issue of Gather magazine.
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