The readings of today direct our minds to rendering service of discipleship. A service of discipleship entails listening to the voice of God, seeking direction from the Holy Spirit, and doing the mission of God. This also means finding the one or the few important things that are crucial to our success. Unlike the tendency to be distracted by the self and the concern to please people’s opinion, discipleship entails among others, hearing the word of God, listening to the spirit of God, and doing the mission of God.
In practice, we are often distracted by ourselves or by the opinions of others. As a result, we lack clarity and are indecisive in finding and focusing on the things that really matter. We know that success in life often comes with finding that one key that opens up a good work-life balance, relationships, health, peace of mind and even stability and clarity.
Yet we lose sight of our core values, our calling, and our vocation, either because we get caught up in a lot of unnecessary things or because we don’t have time to let the Holy Spirit guide us. Today’s reflection offers us some insight into this situation.
There is Need only of Few Things, or of One
In the first reading, from Gal 1:13-24, the apostle Paul narrates his experience as one who changed from persecuting the believers to one who proclaims Jesus. Paul filled with zeal for God persecuted the Christians whom he perceived as unbelievers until he paid attention and heard the word of God. Jesus approached him and enlightened his mind that the people whom he persecuted are also members of God’s household. The revelation of Jesus to Paul enabled him to turn from his personal zeal to zeal for God. Not until he heard from the master, he labored in vain. In his own word he confessed:
“But when he, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles.
In the Gospel, Luke 10:38-42, we are presented with the story of the two sisters of Bethany, Mary, and Martha. Jesus was a guest to the family and was catered for by Martha. Now, Martha had a sister named Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to him speak.
Martha, overwhelmed by much serving, came to Jesus, and complained that her sister has left her by herself to do the serving, and requested that Mary should render some help with the house chores rather than idling away at the feet of Jesus. Jesus said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” Mary chose to be near God, to listen to God and to do God’s will.
A Service of Discipleship
The story of Paul, Martha and Mary illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and ordering one’s life to seeking and doing the will of God. It is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3). This reveals both a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3) and also the importance of discipleship.
Service to God is itself a noble act. Jacques Gaillot, the French Bishop wrote a book with the title: “A church that does not serve, serves nothing.” Nevertheless, every service must be within the earshot of Jesus. In this way we are assured that our service serves the purpose of God and yields fruit for us and for others. Anyone who thinks they can do everything themselves is building on sand but ordering our service to the word of God is the assurance that our service will not be in vain.
Thank you Sister Rosemary,
I understand Gods wordss you have express. I TRULY LOVE THE STATMENT: ” A church that does not serve, serves nothing” by Jacques Gaillott. Our service, serves the purpose of God, and yeild fruits for us and others. Amen