First published in May 2017

 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Luke 10:38-39

 

It’s good to revisit writings from years ago. Good to see how I’ve changed. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worse. The times I felt closest to Jesus seemed often to be the ones where I was feeling the most pain—like in 2017.

As I told you last Thursday, I’ve been hungry for more of Jesus. I’m eager to worship him. Wishing I could be like an enthusiastic child again as I was when I first wrote this piece.

Like Mary.

Why was Mary so eager to hear Jesus? What made him so special?

Jesus had wonderful lessons, many stories, and a love inside him that he freely shared. In those days women were discouraged from learning. For Mary to sit closer to Jesus than his disciples and men from the community was unheard of. Yet Jesus welcomed her. He respected her. She was important to him.

Although her sister had complained that she wasn’t helping with the housework, Jesus encouraged Mary to stay and listen to him. He told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  In other words, he did not want her to be deprived of anything as special as the spiritual food he was offering.

This teacher was different from any other person she had known. He spoke in a way she hadn’t heard before. He was wise, though humble. He revealed truth to Mary’s hungry heart. By current standards, he was a radical, showing compassion for the sick and befriending those who were considered outcasts. He spoke about a heavenly kingdom, one that she would not have to wait for, but one that had already arrived.

When I read about Mary, I see her as someone who had a child’s heart within her. The abundant enthusiasm and openness she had for learning was very much like that of a youngster.

Does Mary remind you of yourself—today, or as you once were?

Jesus once said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) I think Mary was like one of those children. Are you?

The place Mary found at Jesus’ feet is available to all of us. It’s a place of comfort where you can be yourself, completely known and loved. It’s a place where you’ll be sure to find intimate friendship and spiritual rest.

marja