Thoughts for the Day

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The story of Martha and Mary is well known, but can we look behind the story a little? The notion of hospitality to strangers cannot be emphasised enough in the Middle East. Anyone travelling at this time would be looking for hospitality, a practice carried out by pagans, Jews and Christians. To offer hospitality to a stranger was all encompassing, it included offering food, shelter and protection. So the primary task for Martha, Mary, and other members of the family would have been to ensure that the guests were 'fed and watered' as it were, given the best place to sleep and made totally and utterly welcome. They would have had little time, if any, to listen to Jesus!

So imagine the surprise of those present when Jesus praises Mary for 'sitting at his feet' (the position of a disciple) rather than Martha for her hospitality. Why is this? Because our actions always flow from who we are. Actions come from beliefs, and while hospitality is important Jesus declares it cannot be more important than the news of the Gospel and of spreading the word of God.

We have often seen this story as a condemnation of Martha, but it's really a message for others who were present and also for us today. Yes, offer hospitality, indeed we are to offer this to all in need, but it does not over-ride the passing on of the good news of the Gospel, and indeed it should make us think deeply about how our Church today balances hospitality, teaching, and mission work.

Lord God,
sometimes we find it easier
to commit to the busy activities
of our faith,
and fail to sit and listen and learn.
But in the story of Martha and Mary
You teach us that while both are important
Your Gospel needs us all to grow in faith,
and to be responsible for teaching others
through both deed and word.
Amen.