Fr Ed Homily 10-6-20

Martha and Mary

Yesterday we listened to the story of the Good Samaritan. Now we move to remembering the visit Jesus has with Martha and Mary. Martha is the active, busy person looking to be hospitable and serve the physical needs of her guests. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus to absorb His words and teachings. Jesus indicates that Mary has chosen the better part. The implication is that we should all desire to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Later, in the gospel, when Lazarus dies, we hear of how Martha’s faith has matured. She comes out to greet Jesus while Mary sits at home grieving. Martha says she knows that whatever Jesus asks of the Father, the Father will give Him. Martha is a woman of great faith. Looking back, can we still say Mary had the better part?

It is always the better part to listen to Jesus. But when we do listen to Jesus our faith should continue to grow; our faith should become an active part of who we are. Even though Martha was frustrated with Mary, Martha learned from Jesus’ instructions. I think this tells us that no matter what our vocation in life is, we can listen to Jesus and grow in faith. There are people that God gave the gift of meditation and contemplation, they can easily sit at the feet of Jesus. There are people that God gave vocations of hospitality, healing, serving, instructing, and so on. These people can hear the word of God, as they are working, and even in their busyness can grow in faith.

The relationship Martha has with Jesus is one of openness and love. She had no hesitation telling Jesus what she thought and what she wanted. She was also a friend of Jesus because she could accept His teaching and instruction with out being bitter or threatened. Martha could examine her heart and realize she needed to make a change.

Your relationship with Jesus, is it as open as what Martha shared with Jesus? What changes of the heart is Jesus asking of you?

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen