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Day 2 – Jesus' Close Friends
Is it really possible to find order in chaos?

For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. (Ref: Mark 10:27) Our best role model is Jesus, and his key is to know the will of God. Jesus is the perfect image of God, and when we learn about the true character of Jesus, we also start to learn the will of God.

One of the best ways to know the true character of Jesus is through meditating on His interactions with friends. Besides his disciples, we can say that Jesus' closest friends are Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Occasionally, when Jesus passed by the area on His missionary journeys, He would spend some time with them. The gospel of Luke recounts one such visit:

"As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply,

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

(Luke 10:38-42)

We often get the impression that Jesus favours Mary and Lazarus. This is not surprising because this story clearly depicts Jesus reprimanding Martha while praising Mary. Let's explore this relationship between Jesus and Martha. Jesus is a master, a teacher, and Martha's direct way of addressing Him reveals her straightforward character and her close relationship with Jesus. She was free to speak her mind. Similarly, when we interact with those to whom we are close, even if they are elders or members of the clergy, we tend to be frank and direct. On the other hand, when we communicate with those to whom we are not close, we are usually more polite and restrained. If Martha and Jesus did not have a close relationship, she would not dare to speak to Jesus like that. If we pay attention to Jesus' response, we can see that our Lord Jesus wasn't bothered by the way Martha spoke to him at all. He was not angry. He did not reprimand Martha for being disrespectful or rude. Instead, he was filled with compassion and patiently advised Martha, hoping that she would understand his thoughts.

He was not showing favouritism to Mary, but feeling pity for Martha.

Although it is not written in this scripture, since Jesus' disciples always were preaching with Him in different places, it is quite likely that His disciples were present too. In Jesus' time, for a woman like Martha who managed all the chores in the household and hosted a meal for a group of men at home was very unusual and commendable. Having to host so many guests, it is evident that she is not only hospitable but also very generous. These were qualities that Jesus appreciated. If no one attended to these chores, how could Jesus and His disciples feel at home?

Indeed, it would have been a real treat for Jesus and His disciples to be able to take a break after a long day of travelling and enjoy the company of good friends and delicious food at their place. He must have been full of gratitude. Then, how could He be so harsh on Martha?

Today, when our Lord Jesus uses different ways to teach us out of his love for us, would we be able to understand His true intention and see that He is showing pity to us rather than reprimanding us?

REFLECTION

Poor Jesus is the most misunderstood person in history! Have I misunderstood Him or laid blame on Him?

Think of a time when you were angry at God, perhaps because you thought He was unfair or didn't understand you. Can you now understand His true intention?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, I had been angry at you, and even threw tantrums at you, because I did not understand you, but you didn't blame me. Instead, you patiently guided me. Please forgive me for misunderstanding you. I know that you love me and feel pity for me. Please teach me to better understand your thoughts day by day and appreciate your love for me. Please soften my heart and transform me! This prayer I ask in Your holy name. Amen!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Sincerely invite you to share the reflections that inspires you by this day's retreat.

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