The Gospel for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 10:38-42, and it deals with the differing attitudes of Martha and Mary of Bethany. These two women and their brother Lazarus were Judean friends and followers of Jesus, and the Gospels show them receiving Him into their home on more than one occasion. This short account adds an important detail. The house actually belongs to Martha, and she is concerned about being a good hostess. Her presumably younger sister Mary is more relaxed, and she takes the time to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from His teaching.
Both women are doing good things, but Mary has chosen the good portion. She has a better attitude and higher priorities. Hard work and social duty have some value. Feeding guests is a good deed. Physical and material concerns are valid in earthly life. Yet, we must subordinate such matters to higher values. Sometimes, we need to place such external deeds on pause while we relax and pursue spiritual matters. In all our busyness, let us calm down and spend more time with Jesus!
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