Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 1:13-24; Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15; Luke 10:38-42
Summary
Martha and Mary
She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak (Lk 10:39).
Reflection
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus in the position reserved for disciples.
Mary wasn’t dodging her responsibilities. She was immersed in the primacy of discipleship.
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit (Mary) and when I stand (Martha);
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
(Ps 139:1b-3)
And Jesus wasn’t scolding Martha.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Lk 10:40, 41-42).
- I dare NOT wander into the practical suggestions and options Martha had in that moment.
- Nor shall I wander (and wonder) into the other worries and anxieties Martha had beyond the immediate needs of the situation itself.
- And, finally, for those who can see it, the story of Martha and Mary is similar to the story of the Prodigal Son in respect to the Elder Son jealous of the love given the Younger Son.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ (Lk 15:32).
In our first reading, Saint Paul, proposes the same case.
Brothers and sisters: You heard of my former way of life… how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it (Gal 1:13).
In a similar way to the Father addressing the Elder Son and Paul’s confession:
Jesus is asking Martha to fix her gaze on him. Gaze not on competition, comparison, or past mistakes.
When you can sit at the Master’s feet, ex. at Mass or Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, you are like Mary.
When you gaze on the sweetness of the Lord’s love in your heart wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you are what Martha is being invited toward.
Personal Reflection
Today, especially women who feel alienated, sit at the feet of Jesus. In the prime place. We will be with you in spirit as we do the dishes.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100626.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry