The cool, crisp fall weather here in the Midwest brings back memories from my childhood: hearing the crunch of gravel under my bicycle tires, noticing the individual leaves on trees the day I first got eyeglasses, feeling the warmth from a bonfire and enjoying the sweet taste of a smore treat created over the bonfire flame.
Today’s Gospel from Luke, in which we hear the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus, brings back another childhood memory. The church in my hometown features beautiful stained glass windows depicting Gospel stories. I would make every effort to sit under the Mary and Martha window. While I didn’t know it at the time, the image of that window would lead me to a practice of Ignatian contemplation, also called imaginative prayer, in which I would imagine myself in the scene. It was easy for me to do as the domestic scene was very relatable to me as a young girl. I could imagine helping set the table. The imagined smells from the cooking and the sounds of the animals outside the window provided a rich backdrop. As a busy oldest sister, I could imagine all of the tasks Martha was thinking about. And I was curious to eavesdrop on the conversation between Mary and Jesus. Imaginative contemplation helped me deeply experience the scripture.
My experience with the story of Martha and Mary has transformed over the years as my spirituality has developed. As a young girl, I was awestruck at the notion that Jesus could come to my house for a visit. As I grew older and assumed more responsibilities, I related to Martha’s commitment to run a good household while also being a gracious hostess. There was even a time when I was disappointed that Jesus did not seem to appreciate the work behind the scenes to make his visit comfortable. And many times, especially when I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life, I would feel deep resentment for the freedom Mary felt to drop everything to listen to Jesus.
In my prayer today with the Gospel, I feel compassion for Jesus, Mary, and Martha. And especially for Martha. Jesus pleads with her to set down her burdens and pay attention to what is most important by saying: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”
This invitation from Jesus helps me examine my daily life and I pray with these questions: When does my overscheduled calendar prevent me from choosing to focus on listening to the voice of God? How can I discern what is “mine to do” and step away from self-imposed responsibilities? In what ways can I release worries that have no merit? Who do I know in my life who has, like Mary, chosen the better part?
Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
Mary Lee Brock
Here at Creighton University, I serve as the Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program and as an Assistant Professor in the Heider College of Business. The mission of the NCR program is to prepare agents of social change to engage and resolve conflict effectively, efficiently and humanely. As a conflict engagement educator, facilitator and conflict coach, I encourage individuals and groups to develop conflict competency essential to personal, professional and community growth.
Being in community with others is where my faith grows and where I am encouraged to love and serve others. My life is blessed with a loving family, loyal friends and the occasional rough patch to keep it real. The online ministry community is rich, far flung faith sharing community of which I am honored to be a member.
