Two sisters greeted once a well-loved guest.
Each wished to honor him. Day's heat was done;
The Master rested by the garden stream.
There Mary came; the living word she sought
Fell on her waiting ears, till joy, reborn,
Left earth behind and caught the gleam of heaven.
But Martha toiled, beset with household cares;
And though at times her eyes strayed longingly
Towards the peace outside, she turned away,
Bound to her tasks—and lonelier, wearier grew.
Which sister loved the most? Who served him best?
For both alike, today as yesterday.
Love's blessing waits. If we would serve the Christ
We must ourselves be Christ's. In quietness
We lose our loads, and heeding nought but Truth
Drink from Life's stream, on heavenly manna feed:
Our heads with consecration's oil anoint.
Our hearts enrich with meekness, unselfed love,
And pray to serve God first—and so the world.
So Martha, Mary, praying side by side
In common purpose, each her office fills:
And blessed by Love, Love's blessing both impart.
God's glory shines on all our ways; we see
Earth's view dissolve and daily life grow bright
With heaven's hues. We touch reality.
