The Gospel for this Sixth Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 10:38-42, and it deals with the attitudes of Martha and Mary of Bethany. These two women and their brother Lazarus were followers of Jesus, and they practiced the virtue of hospitality toward Him and the apostles on more than one occasion. Today's short account adds an important detail. The house actually belongs to Martha, and she is determined to be a good hostess. Her sister Mary is more relaxed, and she takes the time to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from His teaching.
In differing ways, both sisters love Jesus and do good things, but Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better way. Her attitude and priorities are more spiritual. Hard work and social duty have their place. Serving guests is a good deed. Concern for human physical needs is valid. Yet, such concerns should be subordinate to higher values, such as feeding the heart, mind, and soul. Sometimes, mundane concerns should be on pause while we relax and pursue spiritual matters. In other words, we all need time to calm down and spend time with Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment