Maverick for Christናሙና

Martha’s Sister, Mary The Non-traditionalist

In a village near Jerusalem lived two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus and His disciples were visiting villagers and teaching the Word of the Lord, Jesus stopped to teach in Martha’s home. As Martha prepared a dinner to welcome the Lord and his disciples, Mary became enamored with the teachings of Jesus and failed to help her sister. Martha mentions to Jesus that it seems unfair for her sister to ignore the preparation needing to be done and instead listen to His teachings. Jesus responds to Martha and explains that Mary has discovered what is truly important “and it shall not be taken from her (Luke 10:41).”

In Mary’s time and her culture, it was appropriate for women to prepare a meal to welcome visitors into their homes. The tradition would be for the men to converse, and the women to make their stay comfortable. Mary, mesmerized by Jesus and His words, decided that all those expectations could be cast away because she was busy soaking up every word He said. At that moment, Mary decides that tradition would not trump the Word of God. Have you ever been faced with a decision of this sort? If so, did you choose to be a non-traditionalist like Mary? Did you choose to be a maverick for Christ?

Lord God, thank you for Mary! Thank you for her discernment in the moment of decision. Thank you for her example proving tradition should not be a priority over God. Please help us to remember that there will be times when choosing God over tradition will be necessary. We pray for discernment when choosing between You and the world. May we be more like Mary, struck by Your words and in awe of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.