July 18th - Reflection

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 16
Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)
Choosing the better part

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Reflection
I get easily distracted with things to do, places to hurry to and task lists and calenders. It's easy to get wound up with technology.

Even while on vacation last week, the GPS took me into several loops of back roads. I was trapped in these loops until I reversed my actions and went back to where I made first errant turn. This was an hour long distraction.

In another time, I would have enjoyed this drive in the country side of Kentucky, but I was distracted by a goal I had falsely set as important.

In this scripture I hear the call of Jesus to let me know that he is my goal. Jesus is the one I am to listen to. Whatever is going on at the time, stop to listen and take the time to understand his message. Nothing else is any more important, especially when you hear the voice of Jesus. All this other stuff in life can take second seat when Jesus begins to give a message.

Now, if I can only get it through my head...stop and listen when Jesus calls...stop and listen when Jesus speaks...stop and listen to God and don't be distracted by the things of this world.

Prayer
Lord, you have called me back to you this day. I stop and listen. --- Amen