July 17, Ordinary 16C (Luke 10:38-42)
I wonder whether Martha could feel cared for by Jesus.
People say I am a good host. Good at welcoming people into my home, showing hospitality, making them feel comfortable, offering space for fellowship. But I don’t necessarily like to be the host. I enjoy having people over to my home, the company of others and the fellowship that occurs. The part that is less attractive is the preparation—and the feeling that I am responsible for everyone having a good time.
I find myself so concerned whether there will be enough food, drink, dessert, and activities and whether everyone will have a good time. Will the house be presentable? When you have children, who knows if one will dirty the bathroom right after you cleaned it? Will I be ready before my guests start to arrive?
Sometimes my worry and exhaustion rob me of the opportunity to be present when my guests do arrive. I am so overwhelmed by what it means to host that I lose the joy of fellowship—the major point of hospitality. I do all the work to make space for fellowship, then I do not allow myself the gift of the time shared.
