Siblings are seldom similar in their habits, characters, personalities, and even interests; yet, in healthy families, siblings often love one another, despite occasional sibling rivalry.
The difference between Martha and Mary’s interests is evident here. Martha had invited Jesus into the house, but it was Mary who was keeping
him company. She sat at the Lord’s feet listening to his teaching, showing that he was a very familiar friend.
Someone becomes familiar the more time we spend with them. Mary has spent a lot of time with Jesus and forgoes the formality of sitting on a chair. Instead, she sits, childlike, at his feet listening to him.
In our busy lives, we often fail to allow ourselves to be
childlike, such as walking barefoot on the grass or sand, or splashing through the waves on the beach, let alone sitting childlike at Jesus’ feet.
We can resolve to find opportunities to let ourselves be childlike in the presence of Jesus, somewhere in nature or wherever we can recall our childhood activities and joys, and share our time and joy with the Lord.
We can also
think of ways to include a child in our family and community, with whom we can spend time, learning from them how to be a child at heart if we have forgotten. Alternatively, we can organise a fun day at, or for, a children’s home, bringing joy to the children and, in turn, being rewarded with the joy of giving to the most vulnerable members of our society.
Reflections by Adri Sutherland
