I've heard a description of Judas that his primary sin was expecting the Messiah to come as a worldly King, with all the pomp and circumstance that implies. He was, essentially, a materialist: What value is there in spending quality time with Jesus when we could be out doing some *actual work*?
The Gospel calls to mind a similar scene between Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha is busy and at work, and Mary is reclining with Christ, and Christ says something to the effect that Mary has chosen the better part.
I like the both/and connection you make to Isaiah. I would take it perhaps one more step: We serve the poor not (only) because they are poor in a worldly sense but because they are an image of Christ. Serve the poor *as Mary serves Christ* rather than as merely materially poor.
Good thoughts, and excellent reflection. Thank you!
I've heard a description of Judas that his primary sin was expecting the Messiah to come as a worldly King, with all the pomp and circumstance that implies. He was, essentially, a materialist: What value is there in spending quality time with Jesus when we could be out doing some *actual work*?
The Gospel calls to mind a similar scene between Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha is busy and at work, and Mary is reclining with Christ, and Christ says something to the effect that Mary has chosen the better part.
I like the both/and connection you make to Isaiah. I would take it perhaps one more step: We serve the poor not (only) because they are poor in a worldly sense but because they are an image of Christ. Serve the poor *as Mary serves Christ* rather than as merely materially poor.
Good thoughts, and excellent reflection. Thank you!