April 14 Lenten Devotional "Chosing the Better Part"

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN. . .Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.   Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:1-3)

CONSIDER. . .Mary and Martha are mentioned three times in the Gospels--hosting a dinner for Jesus; mourning the death and witnessing the raising of their brother, Lazarus; and, in John's account, hosting another dinner for Jesus shortly before his death. Each time, Martha is proactive and in this passage, once again, Martha served while Mary sat quietly, attentive to Jesus, anointing his feet. At both dinners, Jesus defends Mary; "Mary has chosen the better part."

SO WHAT. . .Jesus comes into the busyness of our lives, extending the same invitation he gave long ago to the two sisters from Bethany.  Jesus invites US to choose "the better part"--a joyful life of intimacy with him that flows naturally into loving service. All of us can draw closer to Christ; deepening our prayer life, strengthening our service and doing both with less stress, more freedom and spontaneous joy.

• As we begin Holy Week, how can you deepen your prayer life?
• How might you say yes to serving Christ going forward?
• What are ways you can balance your "Martha and Mary"?

PRAYER. . .Dear God, help me to deepen my prayer life and strengthen my service because of my love for you.  Free me from judging myself and others, from resentment and from trying to be someone I am not. Lead me to be more attentive to you in my life. Amen..