Knowing The Word in Luke 10:38-42, Martha and Mary

The story of Martha and Mary is unique to Luke. It appears that Martha owns the home, is the hostess, and is older than Mary. Mary takes full advantage of the opportunity to listen to and learn from Jesus, while Martha is overly occupied with serving. Martha has a tone of reproach for both Jesus and Mary. Jesus understands that Martha is worried over too many things. Life really has few necessities on which we need to spend time. It is Mary’s attitude of dependence on Jesus that is the good portion and the one necessary thing. What lesson do you get from this story for yourself in how you spend time with Jesus or are overly occupied with other things?

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Prayer: Grant me, O most loving Jesus, to rest in thee above every creature, above all health and beauty, above all glory and honor, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtlety, above all riches and arts, above all joy and exultation, above all fame and praise, above all sweetness and consolation, above all hope and promise, above all desert and desire, above all gifts and presents which thou art able to bestow or infuse, above all joy and gladness which the mind is capable of receiving and feeling; finally, above angels and archangels, and above all the heavenly host, above all things visible and invisible, and above all that thou art not, O my God!

Thomas a Kempis, c. 1380-1471