FROM FATHER MIKE In the old days the Gospel story of Martha and - TopicsExpress

FROM FATHER MIKE In the old days the Gospel story of Martha and Mary was often referred to as the two ways of living out the Christian life. One, symbolized by Martha, represented the active “doing for Jesus” kind of spiritual life. The other, symbolized by Mary, represented the contemplative “prayerfully present to Jesus” kind of spiritual life. Since the Bible commentary on this story was mostly done by monks, the emphasis was that the contemplative life was better than the active life. This takes the story out of context, but there is a valuable lesson in focusing on the two natures of spiritual life. On one hand, we do need to “do for Jesus”. Jesus specifically called his followers to feed the hungry, share with the poor, welcome the stranger, visit the sick, etc. Also, without a personal relationship with Jesus who inspires us to do charitable acts for him, we are nothing more than social workers. Therefore, a holistic spiritual life is one that combines the two aspects of active and contemplative life into one life in Christ. Our love and relationship with Christ and our spending time with him motivates us to be actively serving him and his people. Our active service on behalf of Christ inspires us to love him and spend quiet time with him in prayer. The story of Martha and Mary should inspire us to deepen both sides of our spiritual coin. If we aren’t doing too much of either, then perhaps our coin need to be polished and used. Either way, a complete life in Christ is what is expected in this Gospel and in the call that Jesus offers each of us.