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."
The gospel story of Martha and Mary describes the paths they took to serve the Lord. There is Martha's path: to serve the Lord directly by detailing all food and drink necessities, and other matters of hospitality. And there is Mary's path: 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" is the opportunity to really listen to Jesus and receive the freedom not to be too concerned with the many cares and anxieties that accompany Martha's path of service.
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 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 required". On the other hand, those who are more active, have to deal with many things in their agenda. In their service, they are prone to be tempted to anxiety and forget that "one thing only is required".
There are very few who are called to the purely contemplative life. The majority of Catholics balance both contemplation and activity in each of their respective states of life. In practice, both "Martha's path" and "Mary's path" are really integrated and intertwined with each other in the daily life of prayer and work. What is needed is just to discern at times what balance of prayer and activity can help us listen to the Lord well, be productive in our work, and be molded more in His image. Maybe this gospel passage can open our eyes and see where we are in this balance. Is the Lord calling us to be more prayerful, or to be more active in our life in Him? What balance can remind us that "one thing only is required"?
Scripture verses:
"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)
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