Connection with The Cloud

Luke 10:38-42 - this blog's namesake. I've come a long way since day 1.

I'm taking a class on the mystics. It's an elective and it was the only class that fit in my schedule that seemed even remotely interesting. It has been a rough semester. I am not as passionate about the mystics as my classmates and it's hard for me to see how all of this will apply to my life and ministry. I've been branded "the logical one" in the class and that's not necessarily a term of endearment. And I have senioritis.

Today I read an excerpt from The Cloud of Unknowing about Mary and Martha who, to this anonymous mystic, represent two of the three stages of life.

The Cloud of Unknowing emphasizes that Mary has chosen the better part (NRSV). In the translation The Cloud uses, Jesus says, "Mary has chosen the best part" (Luke 10:42). Best implies that there is a good and a better. Wait, what?! So, Martha is being good? I have always heard that Martha is wrong, she doesn't have her priorities straight, she is bitter and jealous and upset that Mary isn't helping her. And that's how I have always related to Martha - and I've always assumed that I am wrong because my default is hospitality and making spaces comfortable for others. I don't sit at Jesus' feet because the dishes aren't done and the leftovers need to be put into tupperware and stowed in the fridge.

The Cloud writes that Martha represents the active life and Mary the contemplative life - both are important stages of life. Both are absolutely necessary, but there is a progression: active life, contemplative life, and the dark cloud of unknowing - the final stage. Here one centers all of one's love on God.

That's all. Just an unexpected epiphany while reading the mystics.