Poem March 6, 1971 Issue

MARTHA AND MARY

Luke 10:38—42

Elizabeth Bice Luerssen

Any housewife can understand
How Martha felt. So much to do.
Guests to feed (the Master too!)
And Mary lifting not a hand;
Just sitting there at Jesus' feet
All absorbed in what she heard,
As if she dare not miss a word.
(If left to her, they'd never eat.)

Small wonder Martha finally
Complained to him in grievous tone:
"My sister hath left me to serve alone.
Bid her therefore that she help me!"
He must have bestowed a compassionate look.
"Martha, Martha," (the tenderness rings)
"Thou art careful and troubled about many things.
(Oh, what love in that Christ rebuke!)
But one thing is needful...." (On this busy day?
With so much to do from the start?)
"And Mary hath chosen that good part,
Which shall not be taken away."

We each can take moments for quiet retreat.
In communion that comes from the heart,
We each, like Mary, can sit at his feet
And choose that enduring good part.

Elizabeth Bice Luerssen

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