Mary and Martha are a familiar pair. One does work and the other lounges with Jesus. At least, that’s how it is often read.

There is a great familiarity present in the story. We know these two people. Because we know their conflict. It is often ours.

Many resonate with Martha’s plight. It is easy to focus on how Mary isn’t directly helping Martha with her work.

Except that Martha thinks she must do it all herself. She says as much. No matter that Jesus didn’t ask her for any of it. Nor is he expecting her to do anything!

Like Martha, how much of our frustration with other people is all in our heads?

How much of my “I have to do everything myself!” is my own creation?

What if Jesus really is asking us to just not?