By Cyrus A. Natividad

Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary.

How did we spend the Holy Week? Some people would have spent it on the beach; on vacation to distant places or relatives; conventional folks would have gone to watch the “Sinakulo” a passion play or theatrical representation of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the way to the cross in some places or plazas of a municipality. Another tradition, the ‘Pagtaltal’ (the agony of Christ or the Crucifixion of Jesus) used to be a destination for devotees; to seek meaning for their particular religious belief, others for curiosity. These and other annual cultural observances continue to endure for centuries in our country up until the pandemic made its way of curtailing people to go anywhere.

Now, we spent Holy Week watching the Facebook live of the CPU TV Channel broadcasting the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Day worship services of the University Church. We also spent time with our families at home and strengthened our fellowship. Apart from watching timeless movies like ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, ‘The seven last sayings of Jesus Christ’, Ben-Hur, and other classics, there was a special time to go back to the Bible and make up for that long-overdue reading. It was peaceful with no interruption, except for some reflections crossing into your mind after reading a story.

The story from Luke Chapter 10, verses 38 to 42, is a segment of Christ’s activities on earth before his death. It says: “As Jesus and his disciples went on their way he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him in her home. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching.“

Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!” The Lord answered her, “Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing and it will not be taken away from her.

We can see that both Martha and Mary have chosen what would be pleasing to the Lord: Martha preparing the meal for Him, and Mary listening to the teaching of Jesus at his feet. Both choices of Martha and Mary were great privileges from God.

The lesson of the story comes from the essential saying of Jesus to Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is needed.” In the last verses (Luke 41-42), Jesus emphasized that only one thing is needed.

Reflecting on what Jesus said to Martha, we can also reflect upon our reality nowadays. People would make use of the “long weekend” to do things such as preparing for a gathering of friends and relatives, cleaning or clearing the house, gardening, and many other admirable things. But have we supposedly done the “one thing that’s needed”, according to Jesus?

Reading and listening to the stories of Jesus during the celebration of the Holy Week was refreshing for our souls. What does it imply for Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus to hear His word? Both Martha and Mary received Jesus Christ into their hearts. Martha had received the Lord into her house, and for Mary she was to receive the Lord’s presence before sitting at His feet, to listen to His words.

Going back to read the Bible on a Holy Week was a meaningful time to reflect upon the words of Jesus, to seek understanding and guidance from God, especially at these trying times. Let it be that we will not just read the Bible during the Holy Week but every day of our lives. To God be the glory!