Devotional for Friday May 27, 2022
I want to talk about two faithful women who were sisters, and they had many things in common, and yet sometimes acted in very different ways. They had a brother named Lazarus and they lived in Bethany, a town outside of Jerusalem. The three had a great friendship with Jesus, who stayed in their house on more than one occasion. We can see Marta as an active, diligent, industrious woman, busy with her chores. We can see Mary as a passionate woman, all heart, sensitive. Mary's love and Martha's diligence give Jesus the opportunity to leave us a precious jewel of teaching. Mary teaches us that it is at the feet of Jesus, where one learns that our doubts dissipate and faith is affirmed, anxiety vanishes, and the soul is strengthened. With that same affection that the Lord spoke to her: "Marta, Marta...", so now He calls us and tells us: "Woman, calm down". "Let’s not lose sight of the kingdom of heaven." Jesus, clarifying Mary's behavior to Martha, makes us see this truth: It is necessary, try to serve food and rest, but it is important to have the order of values, our priorities, well arranged, because the spiritual will always be the most important.
Written by Merari Martínez,
Translated by Maria Elena Cardona
Morning Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Noon Psalm 30
1 I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Evening Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Prayer Guide: [México-Orizaba] and [Cuba-San José De Las Lajas]
This month's challenge is: Identify each character virtue of Christ and incorporate it into your own character. Spend more time with the people you love. Evaluate daily if your behavior resembles that of Jesus. Constantly ask yourself before making a decision or doing anything, what would Christ have done in my place? Study more deeply the life of Christ and ask God to help you be a better Christian.
