Luke 10:38-42
Today’s Gospel reading is complicated because many of us misinterpret the text. The Gospel of Luke is trying to imply that both Mary and Martha have significant roles in the ministry of Jesus. It seems Jesus portrays Mary as having an interest in growing through listening to what Jesus teaches. This is why many of us prefer Mary; she is very attentive to Jesus, while Martha is rebuked by Jesus when she asks for help from Mary in preparing many things for the visitors.
To learn more about this passage, we should recognize that Martha is deserving of appreciation for her actions. She is a hospitable person. In fact, Martha is one of the women who supported Jesus’ ministry and his disciples (Luke 8:1-3). A hospitable person has strong positive behaviors and attributes. A hospitable person possesses the following traits: being open-minded, optimistic, and warm; offering comfort to guests; being non-judgmental; showing respect to others; being genuine; and having a willingness to serve others. In such a way, Martha is mature enough to carry out the tasks of being a woman disciple of Jesus.
In contrast, Mary is focused on gaining wisdom to develop her positive behaviors, unlike her sister Martha. The evidence indicates that Mary is a learner during that part of the story, as she seeks more knowledge to become a mature and responsible individual. Priests, pastors, theologians, and other biblical scholars misunderstood Martha and gave much focus to Mary as a sincere woman disciple. In contrast, Martha is the often-overlooked responsible woman disciple who meets the needs of Jesus’ ministerial team.
The interpretation of the story involving Martha and Mary misrepresents the significance of both characters. Martha demonstrates maturity by understanding her responsibilities as a woman disciple, while Mary is still learning to become a woman disciple alongside her sister. Both Martha and Mary are significant characters because they represent different stages in our spiritual journey; sometimes we embody Martha’s responsibilities, but we must strive to embrace Mary’s wisdom to become genuine disciples of Jesus.
Our spiritual life has many ups and downs. We are mature this time, but sometimes we are immature. Martha and Mary demonstrate a positive reflection for us on dealing with maturity as a person as well as a believer. It reminds us that we are mostly Mary, but we may become Martha. We need to revisit every mistake we made and strive to become learners again. And offer more hospitality to the needy without complaining about what we are doing (1 Peter 4:9).
St. Paul reminds us to share with the Lord’s people who are in need by practicing hospitality (Romans 12:13). Practicing hospitality as our personal trait demonstrates that we are mature people. We have a strong concern for other people, especially the poor, abused, and abandoned. Additionally, we are among the most aware individuals, advocating for environmental protection and raising awareness about our current situation. And this is spirituality. Therefore, a hospitable person has such high spirituality in life.
Finally, both Martha and Mary are working together as women disciples of Jesus. They walk together for the kingdom of heaven and earth. St. Augustine says whenever you go out, walk together, and when you reach your destination, stay together. Both Martha and Mary stay together for Christ’s mission.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for teaching us to learn and grow. Without you, everything in our life is useless. Your Holy Spirit constantly guides us to become responsible individuals in this world. I hope for your everlasting presence. Amen.
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Prof. Ruel D. Garcia is a theology professor at La Consolacion University Philippines as well as the former editor-in-chief of the International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion (IJCHR.paschr.ph).
