Luke 10:38-42
Chapter 10
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As Jesus and his disciples were traveling, he entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
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She had a sister named Mary, who sat beside the Lord at his feet, listening to him speak.
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Meanwhile, Martha was busy with all the serving, and finally she said:
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work? Tell her to help me!”
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But the Lord replied:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things,
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but only one thing is truly needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Commentaries
Martha and Mary.
This passage is a good example of discerning what is more important: what is established by the law and cultural practices, or welcoming the newness of the kingdom. Martha follows the rules of hospitality; she represents those who believe that ‘complying’ with the law is enough. Mary also follows the rules of hospitality, but she does so differently, from the heart: by contemplating and listening to the guest, she has the better part that no one can take away from the believer. Even though Martha is very compliant, she is called to experience this deeper approach.