16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Bullet Points (Luke 10:38-42)

• Two women welcome Jesus, but in two different ways. Martha was doing all kinds of household tasks—getting a proper meal ready for Jesus, and that was good, while Mary was sitting beside Jesus, listening to him speak.
• Martha complains about the ridiculousness of her sister. Jesus replies with something simple and important: “Mary was doing the better part.”.
• The episode is also a story between Jesus and ourselves, whom Martha and Mary both represent. Through this event, Jesus is telling us that more important than what we can do for him is simply to listen to him, accepting his love for us. He has spoken of who we are in his sight and what we can do for his kingdom.
• Jesus makes it clear that the fruits of Martha’s labors are temporary – her guests will consume them – but what Mary has gained from her time spent with him will last forever. “It will not be taken from her.”
• We, too, can make the same choice. Or better still—we can always carve out time for prayer and contemplation, and yet lead active lives.