Martha and Mary (Lk. 10:38-42)

As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 39 She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 40 Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” 41 The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. 42 There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

 

Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem (Lk. 9:51) and entered a village where a woman named Martha, the mistress of the house, welcomed him.  Martha’s hospitality conforms to the cultural expectations of the time.  While Jesus was in the home, Mary, Martha’s sister sat at Jesus' feet, indicating her desire to absorb his teaching.  This was unusual because, in that time and context, women were primarily engaged in domestic tasks.  The disciples usually accompanied Jesus during his travels.  Based on the law of hospitality in ancient times, Martha and Mary would have been expected to provide a meal and serve their guests.  

 

Martha felt overwhelmed by having to serve all the guests by herself and approached Jesus asking Him to instruct Mary to assist her.  Jesus acknowledged Martha’s anxiety and worry and emphasized the importance of listening to his teachings.  Mary prioritized her spiritual nourishment, the “better part,” that would not be taken from her.  Although Jesus praised Mary for listening to him, he was not implying that Martha’s hospitality had no value.  One must balance the distraction of daily activities with attentiveness to God’s word.

 

Lord Jesus, help us to be attentive to your word like Mary and serve you with love and dedication like Martha, always prioritizing our relationship with you.  Grant us the wisdom to balance service and devotion, always prioritizing our relationship with you.  Amen.

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Sources:

• Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
• Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
• Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
• Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.