July 17, 2022: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. 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. There is a need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Reflection

Being more a “Martha type,” I tend to get a little put out at Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet while Martha is left to do the cooking, set the table, prepare the drinks, etc. All very important things when one is serving guests in one’s home. Maybe my “take” on this Gospel reading is simplistic, but here it is: Martha was concentrating on things, while Mary was into relationships. And Jesus cautions Martha that “only one thing is necessary.” In other words, simple will do and then she, too, could spend time with her guest.

Action

We might reflect this week on where our priorities lie. Are there times when we choose things – work, cruising the internet, preparing a fancy meal, watching a TV program – as being more important than relationship with family, friends, team members?