Gospel • Lk 10:38-42 [or Jn 11:19-27]
JESUS entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 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.”
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Jesus is a frequent visitor in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Every time Jesus needs some time to rest, he hies off to Bethany, a place that is like a second home.
Martha is a good hostess and prepares an elaborate meal. She grows exasperated at the burden on her shoulders and starts complaining to Jesus that her sister has left her to do the work alone. Then Martha orders Jesus to instruct Mary to help her.
Jesus is only a visitor in Martha’s home, but she does not realize that wherever Jesus goes, he becomes the host. Jesus appreciates the food that Martha is preparing, but Jesus does not approve of her distraction. She is to keep her focus on Jesus and her love for him as she prepares a nice meal for him.
Jesus extols Mary for choosing the “better part” because her focus is on Jesus as she sits at his feet and listens to his words.
Jesus does not ask us to give up our duties and responsibilities but to trust in the Father’s care.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
