Choosing time together

Jesus would know how annoying it is when someone won't spend time with you. In this week's Gospel (Luke 10:38-42), He talks about just that problem!

Jesus stopped to visit His friends Martha and Mary. Martha was nervous about seeing Jesus and ran around cooking food for Him, but her sister Mary didn't help at all. She just sat at Jesus' feet, listening to everything He said. Martha got angry and said, "Jesus, can't you make her help me?" Jesus answered, "You worry too much. Mary knows what's really important, and I won't yell at her for choosing it."

Even Jesus' friends were like that. Mary wanted to hang out with Jesus, but Martha knew that SOMEONE had to cook dinner, so she did it. Then she decided SOMEONE had to clean up, so she did that.

Grownups could learn a lesson from kids -- and Mary. Who cares if you eat sandwiches for dinner because your mother was too busy playing with you to cook something? You won't remember what you ate for dinner, but you will remember having fun with your mom.

Jesus felt like you. When Martha complained that Mary wasn't helping, He didn't yell at Mary. Instead, he told Martha that Mary was right: The dishes could wait to be washed. People should never say they're too busy to spend time together!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help the grownups around me remember they need to play, too! Amen.