Mary and Martha: loving and listening

 Mary and Martha

loving and listening

Voices Found #23

In life's busy moments

1. In life's busy moments we circle in haste,

Like Martha so worried when Jesus she faced.

He comes to visit, he comes to share; we learn to listen, we learn to care

2. While Mary her sister sat listening in awe.

the Lord spoke of God's love embracing us all.

He comes to visit, he comes to share; we learn to listen, we learn to care

3. Present in conflict, enriching our souls,

with Mary and Martha he loves and consoles.

He comes to visit, he comes to share; we learn to listen, we learn to care

4. Allulia he comes in glorious array;

we pause in daily life to ponder and pray.

He comes to visit, he comes to share; we learn to listen, we learn to care

Words: Katharine L. Smith

Music: Hasting, Robert A. M. Ross

Robert Ross, Music Director for the Lady Chapel Singers, wrote this deceptively simple tune which is easy to sing.  Ross's music with its optional ostinato accompaniment compels us to focus on the word listening. Smith's text is based on   

 Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feetlistening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                         

Reflection:

What would you serve if Jesus were coming to your house? Like Martha, I would be cooking, trying to make Bouef Bourguignon  to Julia Child's exacting standards.  Only the best for my guests! 

I don't think Jesus was unappreciative of Martha's culinary skills, but he wanted her to hear what  he would share. Being busy in the kitchen can be a good way to avoid hearing unwelcome news.   Listening was  hard for Martha, but  Jesus had something compelling to share.  He needed her full attention.  Mary perceived that Jesus  " spoke of God's love, embracing us all." We do not know just what he said, but he probably wanted to prepare them for the ordeal ahead...

He comes to visit, he comes to share; we learn to listen, we learn to care

Jesus comes to to us to visit and  share.  He wants  us to hear him.  Like Jesus, we all need people to listen   when we need to share our news, good or bad. To listen  when we need care and love.   Are there folks in your midst who need to share joys or sorrows? Can you listen to them?  How can you love and care for them?

Who has listened to you when you needed to share?  Did they also care for you?

Give thanks for those who have heard, loved,  and cared for you.

Meditation:

Gentle Saviour, come to visit, come to care for me.  Help me listen, love, and care for those who need me.

The Leader's Guide to Voices Found includes the optional ostinato accompaniment to this song.  The Guide fits easily on your music rack  if you want to play and sing at home.

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