East Cowes, Isle of Wight, Feb 2009
Whenever there’s a sermon about Mary and Martha, it’s usually Mary who comes out glowing and Martha who’s left in the dark. Strange really, given all the attention the more active members of congregations get and the lack of popularity of prayer meetings. Somehow there’s a solemn reverence for the contemplative life (which most of us, we say, are not cut out for) and a -------- for the active life which, spiritual pygmies that we are, befits most of us. Either way, we come out with a spiritual inferiority complex.
Being more naturally a Mary, I have spent a great deal of my working life ferreting around and wearing myself out in the process as if to compensate for this less admirable state. The fruit of which has been an unrealistic gauging of time and energy, of trying to cram too much into too short a time-span and not allowing myself to rest and find that small, still space to live out from. Instead of working out of an internal natural rhythm, I have imposed structures and demands and in effect, given Martha free reign whilst Mary has tip-toed around somewhere in the background.
Martha - strong sense of responsibility. Taskmaster. Maintain order.
Mary is avoiding her. Is intimidated by her. Sees her as the stronger one.
But Martha is worn out. Outwardly she’s noisy but inwardly she’s empty.
Outwardly Mary is almost silent but inwardly she’s full.
I respect Martha but like Mary more.
Learn to like Martha and respect Mary more.