Luke 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 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.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Hospitality required!
St. Luke invites us this Sunday to reflect on friendly hospitality and the good intentions of honoring a distinctive guest.
Jesus, certainly with His disciples, entered a house where it seems He was often welcomed. It was the house of Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus in the village of Bethany, very close to Jerusalem.
What kind of special food should the host prepare and offer? The elder sister certainly planned a special meal. It is natural to see her busy, worried and fighting against time to get everything ready and delicious....very Eastern indeed.
Do we remember how Abraham didn’t wait until the travelers reached his tent, but went out to the road to invite them for a visit? He offered water to wash their feet while his wife started quickly to prepare a special meal. Genesis 18:2b, "When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground."
Do we remember how Martha's family wanted to celebrate Lazarus coming back to earthly life with a big party in Jesus’ presence and in His honor? John 12:1-2, "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him."
Hospitality requires a lot of energy, generosity, budgeting and serious preparations to offer delicious food and beverages. Martha wanted to do her best as we try to do when we have dear, special guests, but her younger sister was sitting and listening to Jesus teach.
Let us consider more deeply Jesus’ answer to Martha. "Martha Martha you are worried and distracted by many things..., Mary has chosen the better part!" Luke 10:41-42. Jesus is teaching us to keep a good balance in our care for food and other daily needs without neglecting the joy of listening to the Word of God. "Man shall not live on bread alone." Luke 4:4.
Jesus is honoring women in their work. He's promoting women's education and Biblical knowledge, which was not the case in that time!
Today, we are invited to think about our worries for a decent daily life, but also about God's Presence in our life, through our hearing the Word of God and giving it a few minutes of meditation and prayer.
May I replace Martha's name with my own, hearing Jesus remind me of the "better part,” without neglecting my earthly balanced needs. Let me be joyful to host Jesus and to hear Him share His message with me.