Every time I read this passage, I picture Mary sitting, hanging on every word Jesus is saying, and Martha, in the background, making noise and banging dishes. Then I use my Ignatian spirituality training, and I put myself in the scene. Who am I? How would I react?
Jesus was very close with Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus. We know this because of Jesus’ reaction on hearing Lazarus had died. When I read this passage and I am having a Martha day, my sassy Irish personality might say, really Jesus??? Who do you think is going to feed you and the twelve of them? The food is not going to walk out here and serve itself. If I am having a Mary day, I will sit and listen for hours to my friend tell me all about his father and the kingdom that awaits, and I will hang on every word he says.
Jesus knew his time with them was short and he wanted them both to learn as much as they could. Soon enough they would only have his stories to share and they in turn would be busy sharing his words and working to make the world a better place.
There are times in life when we must be Martha because someone has to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Someone has to care for those around them who are in need. Someone has to do God’s work. In order to be that someone we must be like Mary and sit with Jesus. We must get to know and love him. We must develop a relationship with Jesus.
There are many ways to develop that relationship, but during this month of the Rosary may I suggest that you spend time praying the mysteries of the Rosary and meditate on each decade as it describes what is happening in Jesus’ life. Imagine him growing from a child in a manger surround by shepherds, kings, and angels, to a young boy speaking about his heavenly father in the temple, to a loving caring man. A man who surrounded himself with the sick, the poor and the forgotten. A man who cared for all and made everyone feel loved and special.
This month be like Mary and take the time to journey through Jesus’ life while praying the rosary. Then be Marth and get to work making this world a better place.