Balancing Act

Last week's lectionary reading from the gospel was the parable of the Good Samaritan. One of the aspects of the story that rang bells for me was the idea of the priest and the Levite passing by. Stopping might have interfered with their own ministry.

How often do we avoid ministry because of our ministry?

Then this week, the gospel reading is the Mary and Martha story. Mary is listening to Jesus; Martha is working. Again, her ministry is keeping her from listening to Christ.

How often do we avoid spiritual listening because of our ministry?

I think it is a difficult balancing act.