Unvarnished Jesus: A Lenten JourneyEjemplo

Wednesday, March 20

Luke 10:38–42

Jesus, Mary, and Martha

For years now, in my Prayer School I’ve taught the contemplative practice of “sitting with Jesus.” Long ago, Mary of Bethany discovered that this is the “one thing” that is necessary if we want to form our soul in a healthy way. Martha, the busy sister, is well- intended, but her noble intentions aren’t enough to prevent her from being anxious and troubled. Without some form of contemplative practice we will spend most of our time in one of three undesirable states: the painful past, the distracted present, or the anxious future. Mary had learned the good practice — to sit with Jesus in the contemplative present. I pray that you too can find the transcendent peace that comes from learning to quietly sit with Jesus on a daily basis.