The gospel reading today was the story of Mary and Martha. I cringe every time I hear that story, because I know I would be a Martha. Her voice rings as my own in my head. “Don’t you see what I’m doing? Can’t you see she’s not helping? Do something.” Before she even had a chance to think, Martha had reprimanded the King of the Universe. And what makes me cringe almost as much is His reply. He says her name, not once, but twice, and the love practically spills off the pages of scripture. And then he cuts right to the heart of her, “you are anxious and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing…” And with that one phrase it is as though he slices through her self-imposed tether, and sets her free. Only one thing is needed.
