One Necessary Thing

The story is remarkable. Here’s the setting: a party is given in the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Lots of friends are invited and that means lots of food will be required for the festivities. It’s likely that both women prep the house and get everything ready for the grand evening. But, among the guests is a young teacher named Jesus, a man of extraordinary wisdom and charismatic appeal. When all the guests have arrived, Mary sits down with the crowd, just as Jesus begins to speak. She hangs on his every word, at least until Martha comes bursting through the kitchen door, apron askew, her hands covered in flour, and a frustrated look on her face. Mary, she shouts, would you please come into the kitchen and help me prepare all this food! Then Martha turns to Jesus: Teacher, would you please tell Mary to come help me; there is still much to be done. Reasonable request. But Mary doesn’t move. It’s a standoff. And then comes the deeper meaning of this story. Jesus, instead of telling Mary to help her sister, turns to Martha: Martha, Martha! You worry about ten thousand things…but only one thing is important. And, Jesus might have added, that one thing isn’t food.

Mary chose Presence over preparation; the moment over the meal. Martha forfeited the blessing for the baking. And to Martha’s credit, she was trying to be a good hostess. This story just doesn’t make any sense. Mary gets the pat on the head; Martha gets a mild scolding because she is trying to show hospitality. But isn’t the story wonderful in its metaphor and meaning. One thing is urgently important, Jesus declared for all to hear, and it’s not meat and bread. The consciousness of Presence, participation in Presence tops all priorities. If you are present to the Presence of God you will have meat enough, plenty of bread; you will have a feast of knowing. Only one thing is so important.

Isn’t this what Christmas is all about? You and I are so busy in the kitchen of our Christmas preparation that we miss the manger. It’s not the turkey or the mashed potatoes or the green beans, or a combination of those things into the celebratory meal, that makes this story so powerful. It is the Presence of the “one thing necessary.” Don’t miss the amazing wisdom of this story, and don’t miss the moment in favor of a bowl of beans. Christmas says pay attention to what is important; one thing and one thing only. Emmanuel. God with us. Practice the Presence every day and you will have nourishment enough to satisfy your soul.