During a meeting with Martha and Mary, Jesus imparts a crucial message: "Relax," advises a South Carolina priest.

As they journeyed on, he arrived in a village. Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teachings. However, Martha was preoccupied with serving and went to him, saying, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to assist me."

"Yet the Lord replied to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are preoccupied with numerous concerns; only one thing is essential. Mary has selected the superior choice, which will never be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:38-42)

Fr. Jeffrey Kirby explained that the meeting between Jesus and sisters Martha and Mary, though seemingly unusual, teaches a valuable lesson, as he shared via email with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Father Kirby is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina, and the host of the devotional "Daily Discipleship with Father Kirby."

Unlike the other gospel writers, Saint Luke, being the only Gentile author in the New Testament, has a unique perspective and set of emphases.

In the Gospel of Luke, there are distinctive narratives that are not present in the other evangelists, according to Kirby, such as the encounter between Jesus, Martha, and Mary.

"As a guest, the Lord Jesus visited the home of two sisters who were serving as hosts. Mary sat at his feet while Martha was occupied with the duties of a hostess," Kirby stated.

"The Lord eventually told Martha that she worried too much and that Mary had chosen the better part," he said.

"God rejects the proud even when they're right."

Kirby explained that there may be more to the story than initially assumed, as Martha's decision to not ask Mary for help and Jesus' choice not to take Mary's side may have been influenced by other factors.

Martha's approach and precise wording were highly insightful, as he pointed out.

"Martha refrains from inviting her sister into the kitchen for a private conversation and also avoids reminding Mary of the need for charity work."

Martha attempts to belittle her sister and provoke animosity.

Kirby said, "Jesus must have thought, 'Give me a break. I come into your home to rest and you're going to pick a fight with your sister and throw a pity-party for yourself?'"

"Martha was right but completely wrong, as the Scriptures repeatedly demonstrate that God rejects the proud even when they are correct."

Martha felt overwhelmed with preparing to host Jesus in her home, as Mary was unhelpful due to being in awe of Jesus' presence or being lazy (or both), according to Kirby.

"Regardless of the outcome, she should have helped her sister with the important aspects of hospitality."

Kirby said that Mary should have assisted her sister with housework and preparations.

"Nevertheless, the timing and method of doing this could have been discussed and divided between the two sisters. It's possible that Martha's schedule was not aligned and Mary was being more considerate by welcoming and conversing with a guest before making plans," he remarked.

Kirby said that Martha's "righteous argument" fell flat because she displayed "rash judgment, vainglory, and was disrespectful in the way she spoke of her sister."

Jesus admonished Martha because of her pride.

Mary chose to "seek first the kingdom of God."

Kirby stated that the Lord was essentially telling Martha to "relax" and "calm down" using modern terminology.

"What caused her to be so agitated and disorganized? Was she unaware that the Lord would not condemn her if her home wasn't spotless or her meal wasn't lavish?"

Mary comprehended the value of the Lord's visit and was willing to prioritize it over other matters. She desired to pause other things and be present with the Lord.

Kirby said that "the other things that needed to be done would have been taken care of in good time." Mary opted to "seek first the kingdom of God."

Remember Jesus' response to Martha and Mary when things get busy, he said.

"When we feel overwhelmed with tasks and wonder, 'Lord, do you not care?' we can remember the valuable lesson from the Lord to Martha: Relax, refocus, and sit with me," Kirby stated.

"We can follow this advice by reassessing our methods and inner thoughts, searching for the Lord wherever He may be, and exhibiting more patience and kindness towards those around us."