In past reflections I’ve always viewed the two central figures in a certain way.  Martha, the hospitable host, ensures that her important guest is comfortable and that His needs are taken care of.  And there is Mary, the one who sits at the feet of the great Teacher, to listen to Him.

“Mary has chosen the better part,” Jesus said (Lk 10:42). By these words, it would seem that we should emulate Mary—sitting, listening and waiting.  Yet it is easy to see the Martha in us—working, toiling and busying ourselves day after day.

Late last year, I went away to a silent retreat at the Seven Fountains, a Jesuit retreat center in Chiangmai, Thailand.  And, lo and behold, Luke 10:38-42 took a new twist.  I saw a Martha in Mary. Yes, one person, two personalities. Praise God!

As I sat in the silence of the retreat center, with my focus on God and His Word, I entered into prayer with much pride. Oh, I know this one.  Luke 10:38-42 — I know this passage like the back of my hand.  I can pass the reading to go straight into prayer. What more can I learn?

Well, God had other plans.  Though I knew the passage well, I still wanted to hear from God.  Yet the waiting was painful.

Despite my good intentions to sit, like Mary, at the feet of Jesus—to listen, learn and wait upon Him—there was a Martha in my Mary. There is a part of me that cannot wait to run from the feet of Jesus. There is so much to do, even on retreat.

And Jesus — Jesus still seemed not to be saying anything.