Today’s Gospel presents the story of Martha and Mary. From the Gospel of John, we know that this was a family of three siblings – Martha, Mary and Lazarus and their house was in Bethany. Today’s episode speaks of Martha, who felt annoyed with her sister Mary for not helping her with the household chores and complaints about her to Jesus. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus to listen to him instead of joining her sister. However, Jesus appreciated the choice of Mary.
While we read and meditate on this text, pay attention not to stop after analysing the behaviour of the two sisters. The Gospel stresses the significance of being at the feet of the Master to listen to him – to listen to the Word of God – before we get engrossed in missionary commitments and activities. However, the passage has a much deeper meaning, and Luke expected his Community to take note of the social change and spiritual renewal that Jesus had brought about.
When the authors of the gospels introduced the family in Bethany, they only spoke of the brother and the sisters. They did not mention other family members – parents, spouses or children. Today’s Gospel begins by saying, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he entered a village, and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house.” But how about the disciples? Where were they not welcomed by Martha?
The House of Martha comprises of only brothers and sisters; there are no parents, spouses or children. The family in Bethany represents the Christian community of brothers and sisters. That is why Luke does not mention them entering the house. They are the hosts of the Lord.
In Jewish culture, the men of the family welcomed and took care of the guests while the women of the family remained inside the house and would not appear before the guests. But, with Jesus, Luke presents a role reversal. There is no distinction between men and women in the world of Jesus.
The second sister, “Mary sat down at the Lord’s feet to listen to his words” (v. 39). “Sitting at the feet” of a master was an expression with a specific technical value. It indicated a disciple learning from a rabbi. Here Luke presents Mary as a disciple who learns from the Master. Once again, in Jewish culture, no rabbi would accept women as their students. However, Jesus changes the existing world order.
It is the beginning of the new world: all the prejudices and discriminations are denounced and overcome by Jesus.
Luke mentions this incident as a lesson of catechesis to Christian communities of the past and today. There are many people of goodwill who dedicate themselves to the service of Christ and the brothers and sisters. They are generous with their time, effort, and money. Yet even in this intense and generous activity, there lurks a danger: they consider listening to the Word of God as something secondary.
For your reflection
When the Word of God does not guide our apostolic commitment, communitarian choices, and pastoral projects, they lead us to anxiety, confusion, and nervousness, just like that of Martha.
Father Fernando
Armellini SCJ
