Listen

“She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.” Luke 10:39

Listen.

What’s the first sound you heard today? In my half-awake state I was aware of the birds, happily chattering outside our bedroom window. Bu the first thing I really heard was Torsten, bursting into the room and asking, “Daddy cuddles?” The answer to that question, by the way, is always yes.

As I write this, more sounds fill the air. I hear the pages of graphic novels being turned and Star Wars Nerf blasters going off in the basement. Keys are clattering, not just on this laptop but from the other room as Frau Lyle gets ready for the day. There will be no shortage of noise today. Much of it will be joyful although we will no doubt descend into cacophony at times.

Today’s verse, taken from the Daily Texts, is a good reminder that, in the midst of so much noise, we need to take time to listen. We see Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening. Forget for a moment about all the Mary vs. Martha debates you’ve ever heard. Busily working to serve others can be just as good as sitting and listening; I refuse to engage in Martha shaming, which was never Jesus’ point.

The point Jesus makes in a few verses is that we are all dependent upon the Word. We all need to sit and listen to Jesus, for Jesus not only speaks God’s Word; he is God’s Word. Jesus does not have one voice among many; he is the voice that gives us life.

I don’t know if your home will be a bustling noise factory today (I’m pretty sure mine will be) or if you are overwhelmed by the silence of isolation. Either way, take time to sit. To open the Word. To pray. Even just a few seconds to breathe. The Word will cut through the clatter to give peace. The Word will break the silence to give hope. The Word is present, with you even now. Sit for a moment. Listen.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, you spoke and creation burst into being. In the fullness of time, your Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Give us moments to listen and ears to hear. Quiet our fears and anxieties. Stir our hearts to hope. Enliven us to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Jan Vermeer (c. 1654-1656, public domain).