16th Sunday of the Year (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

16th Sunday of the Year (C), July 21, 2013

Liturgical readings
Genesis 18:1-10
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:24-28
Luke 10:38-42

"One thing only is required."

Jesus entered a village


where a woman named Martha
welcomed him to her home.


She had a sister named Mary,


who seated herself at the Lord's feet

and
listened to his words.


Martha,
who was busy with all the details
of hospitality,


came to him and said,


"Lord,
are you not concerned that my sister
has left me all alone to do the household tasks?


Tell her to help me."


The Lord in reply
said to her:


"Martha, Martha


you are anxious and upset
about many things;


one thing only is required.


Mary has chosen the better portion
and she shall not be deprived of it."

"One thing only is required."

This gospel story of the Lord visiting the house of Martha and Mary makes us see the paths they took to serve the Lord. There is Martha's path - which is to serve the Lord directly by detailing all food and drink necessities, and other matters of hospitality. And there is Mary's path - which is to sit by the Lord, keep him company, and listen to his words. Both paths are good and holy. But what makes Mary's path "better" in the eyes of the Lord, is its opportunity to really listen to Him and receive the freedom to set as corollary the many cares and anxieties that can accompany Martha's path.


Classic interpretation of this gospel passage teach that Martha's path is followed by Catholics in the active apostolate: in family, education, media, health, parish, or in the mission to the non-Catholics. Mary's path, on the other hand represent those who are purely contemplative: the monks and the cloistered nuns. The simplicity and constancy of life of the monks and the nuns makes it easier for them to follow the "one thing only is required". On the other hand, the former group, have to deal with so many things in their agenda, that there is always the temptation to anxiety and forget that "one thing only is required".


There are very few (but truly favored by God), who are called to the purely contemplative life. The majority of us Catholics balance both contemplation and activity in our state of life. In practice, both "Martha's path" and "Mary's path" are really integrated and intertwined with each other in our daily life of prayer and work. We only need to discern at times what balance of prayer and activity can help us listen to the Lord well and be productive in our work. Maybe this gospel passage can open our eyes and see where we are. Is the Lord calling us to be more prayerful, or to be more active in our life in Him? What balance of prayer and activity will remind us that "one thing only is required"?

Points for reflection and prayer:
"The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre." (Genesis 18)
"He honors those who fear the Lord." (Psalm 15)
"A mystery hidden from ages and generations past but now revealed to his holy ones." (Colossians 1)