Sixteenth Sunday

Martha and Mary

The Gospel of today’s Mass is one where we are puzzled at why the Lord Jesus seems to take issue with Martha’s busyness and where he praises Mary’s sitting in front of Him.

Mary appears to do nothing! Mary even says nothing!

This was a Gospel scene I never really understood as a boy. At home there were plenty of us at home and we all had assigned tasks to perform, we were quick to point out to our parents if a brother or sister did not seem to be pulling their weight and equally we were outraged if someone was slacking or got less work to do and finished before us and were free to leave the kitchen or dining area!

If a guest was coming to visit there was plenty of work in preparation for the visit to create a good impression that everything all over the house was clean and tidy. Also while the guest was at table - in our home - Mum and Dad got to sit down and visit while we ‘slaved’ in the kitchen.

Why is it that Martha ‘busy about many things’ is left high and dry?

There is a message for us in that at times we focus more on the ‘what’ and less on the ‘why’ and ‘for whom’ we do things. This in modern parlance is called burnout. We are taken up with so many things that our minds get distracted and we spin out and get frustrated with others who ‘sit idly by’.

Perhaps there was also a sense of forced embarrassment. Martha could have handled things differently and taken Mary aside – then or later -instead of creating a scene in front of their invited guest.  After all what guest would want to be drawn into a ‘domestic’ and be seen to take a side? Personally I would take the side of the person cooking for and feeding me! I would want my dinner and I wouldn’t want to be poisoned if I was against them!

The fact is that Jesus is once more challenged to take a side in a dispute. Jesus’ words of judgment always leave us disturbed and challenged in equal measure. Jesus sides with Mary who has ‘chosen the better part.’ It is not that Martha hadn’t chosen something good but that there was something better. How often in our decision making are we called to prioritise between two apparent goods, but one must take precedence for the sake of a higher value, namely what best serves Christ and leads to my sanctification in serving Him and others?

Finally Mary is praised because she availed of the unique opportunity that was presented to her – Christ was in her home, and He was teaching her and she was learning as a disciple from the master.

She was giving Him quality time as we must to all others, because He will tell us when we meet Him - ‘you did it to me’. We must pray – and spend more time doing it. We must spend time in adoration, praise and thanksgiving. All it takes is time.  It gives meaning and direction to all that we must do. It deepens our relationship with Christ and our love for others and purifies our intention. Let us ask our Lady to help us draw closer to Her Son so that in prayer we may learn to ‘do whatever He tells you’.