I guess if we were to look for a biblical name that rings with great examples of faithfulness, the name Mary would rank near the top of the list.

There are lots of important women named Mary. One was a sister to Martha. Luke tells us one story from their lives in chapter 10 of his gospel:

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42

Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part. Sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his teaching is important.

In a previous reflection I tried to defend Martha for having an active faith. (This may have been a defense of my own aversion to sitting too long.) I need to give Mary her due, too. When we see the Lord at work, we need to pause and appreciate what is being taught, soaking it in.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to have a sense of calm in my spiritual life, so that I might listen and learn what You are anxious to offer me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.