And Today We Remember...

... Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany! Along with their brother Lazarus, these siblings were friends of Jesus and their home is mentioned several times in the Bible. I love stories of this family, they seem like such real people, people I might know today.

Of course, I usually put myself in the story as Martha of Bethany, not Mary. I grew up thinking that Mary was the good sister and that as a Martha, I needed to change so that I would be more like Mary. Now I think that there is value in both the meditative spirituality of Mary and the hospitable spirituality of Martha - I can take pride in being a Martha, instead of wishing I were a Mary.

My friend Mary and I laughed last night as we teased each other about being the Mary or Martha - the worshiper or the dishwasher. Each of us has traits that would align us with each of the sisters. The key is balance. Feeding the hungry and weary (and cleaning up the kitchen afterwards!) would be just a job without the foundation of faith that comes with taking time to sit at the feet of the Messiah and soak in the presence of the Divine.

So on that day, I guess Martha complained and maybe Mary felt guilty. I would bet that when all the dishes were washed and put away, and the guests had all gone to sleep, that the sisters mended their relationship. Mary said thanks for all Martha had done during the evening and Martha was grateful that Mary had listened so carefully to Jesus that she could fill Martha in on the latest adventures of the Saviour and the guys who traveled with him.

***Also today, NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary. Founded during the Eisenhower administration, I can't remember a time when NASA didn't exist. My growing up years are punctuated with space events. I wonder what the next 50 years will bring. Will my grandchildren watch as NASA sends a traveler to Mars? With a little luck, they'll get to see someone walk on the moon!