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Gospel of Luke 10:38-42
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
When I read today's reading, an episode from "The Brady Bunch" came to mind. Jan Brady complains to her mom and dad about how Marcia is always the center of attention crying out the famous line: "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" Jan is jealous and resentful of her popular and beautiful older sister. Just for once she wishes she could get something special for herself.
Many of us can relate to Jan Brady - most definitely Saint Martha. Here Martha was busy serving and preparing a home cooked meal. Her sister Mary appears lazy sitting around chatting away with Jesus. Anxious and burden, Martha has difficulty accepting idleness. A woman just doesn't sit around not working! There's a house to clean, meals to prepare, children to raise, and husbands to serve.
Martha is clearly a worry wart! She doesn't understand her sister Mary is busy listening and learning from Jesus' wisdom. Everybody serves the Lord in a special way. It may be action-oriented (apostolic), contemplative or both. Some people are called to hands-on ministry such as working in a soup kitchen, visiting prisoners, sidewalk counseling in front of an abortion mill, or helping refugees find a safe place to stay. In comparison, other people feel called to contemplation. They rather pray in weekly adoration, participate in novenas, or be a prayer warrior for a specific cause.
We become anxious and worried when our expectations are not met. We may get upset with the other person or withdrawal into a state of despair. Saint Martha was stressing out and needed help! Well, at least she thought she did. What Jesus wanted her to do was calm down. Let her sister do her own form of "work" even if it did not rank up there with Martha's expectations.
All of us are wired differently. We must not judge or condemn others for not being just like us!
Are you a Martha or a Mary? I'm much more of the Mary type. I'm sure Martha would scorn me good sitting outside talking with Jesus while the pot over-boiled and the fish burned. Oh well. I'm not much of a domestic type. However, it's good that Martha was so devoted to serving as a cook and caretaker. Her hospitality will forever be honored and remembered.
We should reflect on Martha's answer to Jesus when Lazarus arose from the dead:
“Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Let us come to believe just like Saint Martha!
Saint Martha, Pray for Us!
-J.
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