A BREATH OF STILLNESS IN A FRANTIC WORLD: REFLECTING ON THE ENCOUNTER OF JESUS WITH MARY AND MARTHA - LUKE10:38-42.

We live in a hasty world, where many struggle to meet up with deadline, where anxieties churn us, and information overload threatens to drown us. The biblical story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 offers a much-needed pause, teach us how to find stillness in a frantic world. This message resonates more deeply than ever in our lives. 

Martha, the epitome of busyness, scurries around, consumed by the need to serve. Mary, in stark contrast, sits at Jesus’ feet, bathed in His presence, her heart attuned to His words. Mary, on the other hand, chooses the seemingly “unproductive” path of simply being present, soaking in Jesus' words.

Jesus, in His gentle “Martha, Martha” reminds her, and by extension us, that amidst the frenzy of activities, things to do, we risk losing sight of the “one thing needful.” We see that Jesus doesn't condemn Martha's service; rather it's her worry, her preoccupation, that clouds her heart.

But what is this “one thing”? Certainly, it is not neglecting our responsibilities. Jesus didn’t condemn hospitality because it is a great value universally appreciated.  Being at the service of others is a cornerstone of our faith. Rather, it's about finding the balance between action and contemplation, between Martha's hands and Mary's heart. It's about carving out space in our frenetic lives to simply be with God, to listen to His word, and to experience the peace that surpasses understanding. This is the “Hospitality” that Jesus appreciates most! It helps us develop the spirit of gratitude.

How can we, in our diverse contexts, receive and live this message? Here are some practical suggestions that could help us. In our personal life: Practice mindful moments: Schedule short periods of quiet reflection, prayer, scripture reading, meditation each day. Disconnect from technology and reconnect with your inner self. Practice gratitude: Amidst the chaos, find moments to appreciate the blessings, big and small. Gratitude fosters contentment and provides a shield against anxiety. Discern what's essential: Ask yourself, “What truly matters in the grand scheme of things?” This helps prioritize actions and avoid getting bogged down in trivialities.

In our relationships, we can offer deep listening, give our loved ones our full attention, without distractions, be present in their joys and sorrows, offering empathy and support. Quality time fosters deeper connections.

We can also practice forgiveness: Letting go of resentment and bitterness. Holding onto negativity creates distance and prevents us from being fully present in our relationships.

In the global context, we can try to seek justice with compassion. While working for change, let us remember the human cost. Let us advocate for others with empathy and understanding, and not just anger and resentment.  Let us practice global solidarity by recognizing our shared humanity and interconnectedness. We can support initiatives that promote peace, understanding, and sustainable living.

All these are achievable if we can learn to start small and act locally. The challenge is enormous and thus we might sometimes feel overwhelmed by global problems. Let us not forget the “one thing that matters most for Jesus”: listening to the God, His presence within. May we learn, like Mary, to sit at Jesus’ feet, not to escape our responsibilities, but to find the strength and clarity to fulfill them with grace and a heart at peace. For truly it is in God that we find strength and renewal, enabling us to return to the world with greater compassion, clarity and purpose.

May this reflection be a gentle reminder to breathe, to be present, appreciate each new day, moment as a gift from God and to choose the “one thing needful” in a world that often forgets it exists. Authentic service and a meaningful life truly flow from being mindful of God’s presence and listening to His word among us! May God bless us as we seat at the feet of Jesus today!!!