One of the things that the pandemic has brought us is the appreciation of time. The quarantine periods have become a time to reflect and to study the Word of God.
In the Gospels, we can read about the story of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus is a frequent visitor of their home.
What can we learn from their story?
First, we must open our homes to Jesus.
Luke 10:38 says, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.”
Let us not forget to invite Jesus in our homes. He will not come inside if He is not invited.
Second, we should turn away from distractions and focus on Jesus.
Luke 10:40 says, “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”
Let us ask ourselves if what are the things that keep on distracting us. We must commit these things one by one, and turn away from them or manage them properly.
Third, we must know what is essential or peripheral.
Luke 10:39 says, “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”
Jesus told Martha that what Mary was doing was better. What Martha was doing (preparing food) was not necessarily wrong. It was not just done in the right time.
There is a time for everything but the time is always right to listen to Jesus.
So, let us listen first to God before being busy with other things.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University