The Better Part

Luke 10 tells the story of Jesus coming to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. I have pondered and struggled with this scripture many times. It contrasts two sisters - one is very concerned with serving Jesus and his disciples and the other is “sitting at the feet” of Jesus. Martha, the busy and concerned sister, asks Jesus to instruct the sitting sister to help her serve. Jesus replies:

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.’
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In the past I have read this as a rebuke from Jesus to Martha - I now see an invitation in these words. The better part is sitting at Jesus feet. Come be with me, Martha. I want to be with you - not just watch as you do things for me.
​ This is the better part. I believe this invitation extends to us. What does it look like for us to sit at the feet of Jesus? I believe Spiritual Direction can be a part of the answer.