At the Feet of Jesus

A Lenten Journey of Presence and Gratitude

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it matter to you that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:38-42 NLT

In the quiet unfolding of Lent, we are invited into a season not merely of doing but of being. This is a time to embrace the Ministry of Presence, to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary, to listen, learn, and lean into the depth of relationship that transcends the flurry of tasks that often define our days. This scriptural passage gently undoes the tight knots of our task-oriented tendencies, reminding us that the heart of Lent is found in presence, not in productivity.

In the bustling kitchen of our lives, we are often more like Martha, consumed by the endless to-dos, driven by a sense of duty to serve and a desire to please. Yet, the invitation of Lent beckons us toward a different posture, one of stillness and attentiveness, where we learn the value of sitting before the Lord, of truly being with Him and with others, not as projects to be completed, but as persons to be cherished.

The Ministry of Presence challenges the modern narrative of efficiency. It calls us to slow down, savor the sacredness of the moment, to acknowledge the inherent worth of every individual. It is a ministry beautifully exemplified by Jesus Himself, who, in His earthly ministry, showed us time and again that being with people, listening to their stories, and sharing in their joys and sorrows, is where true ministry begins.

Gratitude is the natural outflow of a heart attuned to the Ministry of Presence. When we truly take the time to be with others, to enter into their world, we begin to see the grace of God woven through the tapestry of every human encounter. We discover the beauty in the mundane, the sacred in the ordinary, and the divine in the details. This Lent, may we cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the gift of presence, for the opportunity to be fully with others, to listen deeply, and to love sincerely.

We should also extend this Ministry of Presence to ourselves. In the silence of our hearts, let us be present to our thoughts, our feelings, our desires, and our fears. Let us sit with God in the quiet, allowing Him to minister to us, to heal us, to refresh us, and to remind us of our belovedness in His eyes.

As we journey through these forty days, may we find freedom in releasing the compulsion to do and find joy in the simple act of being. May our presence be a balm to the weary, a comfort to the lonely, and a testament to the love of Christ, who is always present with us.

Reflection

1. Where can I cultivate the Ministry of Presence in my life? Consider the relationships or areas of your life where you might be more focused on doing rather than being.

2. How can I practice being present to God during Lent? Reflect on ways you can create space and time to listen and be with God, perhaps through silence, scripture reading, or nature walks.

3. What am I grateful for in the context of presence? Identify moments or relationships where you've experienced the deep joy of being truly present with others and with God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As I enter into the sacred space of Lent, guide me into the depths of Your presence. Teach me to value the ministry of being over the busyness of doing, to cherish the moments of quiet communion with You and with those You have placed in my life.

Help me cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the gift of each moment, the blessing of each encounter, and the grace that flows from simply being together. Open my eyes to see Your presence in the ordinary, Your beauty in the every day, and Your love in the simple act of sitting at Your feet.

Forgive me for the times I have prioritized tasks over people, and projects over presence. Remind me that in the stillness, in the quiet listening, I discover the one truly necessary thing – You.

As I walk through these forty days, may my heart be drawn closer to Yours. May I learn the art of presence, both with You and with those around me. Let my life reflect the peace and joy that comes from knowing I am deeply loved and cherished by You, not for what I do, but for who I am in You.

In the name of Jesus, who is ever present and ever loving,

Amen.

This Lent we are invited to rediscover the beauty of presence, the richness of relationship, and the transformative power of gratitude. In doing so, may we embody the love and attentiveness of Christ, making each encounter a holy ground of mutual discovery and divine grace.