July 17, 2022 – Pentecost +6C, Luke 10:38-42

Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he 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.” Luke 10:38-42

This text is a great text to follow on the heels of last week’s story of the Good Samaritan.  You see last week’s story began with a “certain man” and today’s story begins with a “certain woman.” The story of the Good Samaritan is told to a lawyer who wants to know the answer to this question:  “And who is my neighbor that I am to love?”  Jesus explains through the powerful parable that love should not have societal or religious boundaries — and the lawyer — and in fact all of us who call ourselves disciples are told to “Go and do likewise – show mercy to all in need”.  Now here we are, just one week later, and we have the story of Mary and Martha – Martha who is the wonderful hostess, who in serving is busy and distracted – and Mary who decides not to be a wonderful hostess, but instead sits at the feet of Jesus. Jesus says in response to Martha’s complaint about her “lazy” sister that Mary has chosen the better part in choosing to sit and listen to Jesus – and not to be distracted by societal or cultural “expectations.” One story tells us to go and do – the other to sit and listen. The clue for us today is to determine when it is the right time to do either – for the life of a disciple requires both. 

Mary, while not being a good hostess, is a faithful disciple, and she learns at the feet of Jesus – yet most likely she will have to deal with an angry sister for the next few weeks. Martha, while being a good hostess, is distracted from being a faithful disciple, and receives a slight rebuke from Jesus.  Sometimes we must forget about what others will think, and instead listen to what G-d is calling us to do – or to hear.

To love G-d will all of our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves means that we must often reject society’s rules and roles in favor of the code of G-d’s kingdom – where there are no distinctions or boundaries restricting G-d’s love. Yes, we may, like Martha often find ourselves in a “no win” situation – but the time we spend with Jesus will sustain us through all of the other roles that seek to tear us apart.

Pastor Dave