Only one thing is really needed...

Today's readings (Revised Common Lectionary): Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42.



Two thousand years after the fact, we have the benefit of hindsight. It’s not clear whether Jesus’ disciples fully grasped who he was until after the resurrection. Paul has a pretty clear idea, though. This week’s epistle reading from Colossians (1:15-28) might be one of the most amazing descriptions of Jesus in all of scripture: all things were created through him and for him and in him all things hold together; the fullness of God dwells in him; and through him all things are reconciled.

This makes the exchange between Jesus and Martha in this week’s Gospel reading (Luke 10: 38-42) that much more significant. Martha complains that she’s doing all the work and that Mary is just sitting there with Jesus. “Martha,” says Jesus, “you worry about a lot of things, but only one thing is really needed.” Mary made the right choice: spending time listening to Jesus.

We have the same struggles, even with the benefit of hindsight into who Jesus is. We get busy with our lives and it’s difficult for us to justify time to stop the busy-ness and the worry to just sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Jesus doesn’t want us to not do the things that need to be done, but if Jesus is who we say he is -- and who Paul says he is in Colossians -- then our priorities and perspectives will need correcting. Jesus, the creator and reconciler of all things, has something to say to you. Will you stop to listen?

This week's readings: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19); Luke 11:1-13.