She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. (Luke 10:39 NAS95)
I have often been jealous of Mary. What a great place to sit! I think she sat there because when Jesus spoke, her understanding of God expanded and deepened. In many ways, she sensed her soul rearranged in such a way that her capacity for life grew. Somehow the speech of Jesus touched her depths in a way beyond words. Someone was more present to her than she was to herself. She sat and soaked. She loved it. She noticed that those words of Jesus put the world aright in her heart. She grew in love and in connection to her God. She saw the world in which she lived more in light of Jesus’ perspective and it fostered compassion. Compassion for others to know her Lord as she did.
My hunger to know God intimately supplies the reason for my jealousy of Mary. Yet, I realize I can sit and listen to Jesus just as she did. But it takes intentionality on my part. I’ve got to make space both in time and in my heart. I’ve noticed dramatic things happen when I take time to be present to God, over His word, in prayer, or as I sit reflecting on His deeds. My heart expands as it is touched by His phenomenal presence and love. I cannot describe it, but somehow things get rearranged in my soul and I grow in willingness to love. I long for more. What about you?
For Reflection:
“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” (Psalms 78:1 NAS95)
- What kinds of things crowd out space for listening to God in your life?
- How would you describe your history of life with God over the years? What stands out?
