The Good Portion

Martha was busy with preparations to the point of distraction. She had invited Jesus into her home but the task of entertaining her guest had actually caused her to neglect him. She had to be reoriented to the “one necessary” thing, the “good portion” that her sister Mary had chosen. That can happen, can’t it? We can get so focused in doing good things for Jesus (and desiring that one’s guest be well-fed and comfortable is a good thing) to the point of being overwhelmed by the anxiety they produce. That’s when we need to sit down next to Mary and listen. Jesus is the one necessary thing. He is the good portion. Whatever we do in his name must be done for his name.