Choose What Is Best

Our Lenten theme, “Doing Less, Becoming More,” reminds me of Mary and Martha, the sisters who invited Jesus into their home. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made—the cleaning, the cooking, the table-setting, I imagine. Mary, on the other hand, was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to what he said. Exasperated, Martha came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” But Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,” but only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen what is best.

In this Lenten season, let’s choose what is best. Let’s put away busyness, or other things that cause us to worry or be upset, or that distract us from being our best selves. Let’s lay aside our self-righteous efforts to please God by our own works, which only lead to frustration. Like Mary, let’s take time to sit at Jesus’ feet, spending time with him, hearing his words, seeing his face, and basking in his love. We’ll receive more: more peace, more love, more joy, more grace. We’ll become more—more like Jesus!