Thursday, November 21, 2024
Gospel Reflection: Our Work
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Breathing in and breathing out…the rhythm of life. In this story, Martha and Mary are the two parts of breath. Mary is the inhalation. The deep breath of nourishment that feeds the body, mind, and soul. Martha is the exhalation. She is active and getting work done. We need both. The challenge is that we are usually out of balance and our “breath” gets erratic. This community is big on exhalation…look around, people are doing! Thursdays are a day of frenetic activity at SJC. But, not only frenetic activity. We do have a Eucharist with Healing Prayers followed by Centering Prayer. If anything characterizes the Mary of this story it is Centering Prayer. A group of people who sit with the silence and each other…the deep breath.
I have often heard people say, “I’m a Martha!” or “I’m a Mary.” Let me suggest that we are all both and more. May we take time to check our breathing…the good news is we can adjust and for me life is a practice of continual adjustment. Celebrate and nurture the Mary and the Martha in you and remember to breathe.
Today’s readings commemorate Mechthilde of Hackeborn and Gertrude the Great in our Calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts
Mechthilde of Hackeborn (1241–1298) and Gertrude the Great (1256–1302) were two influential figures in medieval spirituality, both associated with the Benedictine monastic tradition and known for their mystical writings.
Mechthilde, a German nun and mystic, was known for her deep spirituality and devotion to the monastic life. She became a member of the Helfta Abbey, where she was noted for her theological writings and visions. One of her most significant contributions was her work "The Book of Special Grace," where she expressed her intense devotion to Christ, particularly focusing on his suffering and passion. Mechthilde’s writings reflect the deep mystical theology of her time and played a key role in the development of medieval Christian mysticism.
Gertrude the Great, another member of Helfta Abbey, succeeded Mechthilde as a key spiritual figure of the 13th century. Known for her scholarly works and spiritual depth, Gertrude was also a mystic who received divine revelations. Her most significant work, "The Herald of Divine Love," captures her intimate relationship with Christ, emphasizing the themes of God’s love and the importance of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Gertrude’s mystical experiences and her deep meditation on Christ’s life and suffering marked her as a major figure in the history of Christian mysticism.
Both women, through their writings and spiritual insights, helped to shape the mystical traditions of medieval Christianity, offering profound contributions to the development of religious thought and devotion during their era.