Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jesus placed emphasis on learning from Him in this moment. He emphasized that while service was necessary, receiving spiritual nourishment was essential.

Gospel according to Luke 10:38-42

Now as Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing, Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Christ with Martha and Maria - Semiradsky, 1886 - Public Domain

Reflections

Last week’s Gospel about the parable of the Good Samaritan emphasized being merciful even to strangers. The God Samaritan took the injured man to a hostel, or an inn, where he would be looked after until he recovered (Luke 10:35). In today’s Gospel Jesus continues to teach us about hospitality. 

The word hospitality is derived from the Latin word “Hospes” which means “host,” “guest,” or “stranger.” (1) This root emphasizes welcoming and caring for visitors or strangers and can be found in contemporary nouns such as “hotel,” “hostel,” and “hospital.” (1) It highlights the relationship between the host and the visitor as friendly and caring.   

Hospitality is not a new concept. Its value is highly prized in the Biblical writings. In the harsh desert climate, hospitality was firstly focused on providing for the immediate survival needs of the travelers. Food and shelter were generously offered to strangers, and they were treated as part of the community when the host was amicable and followed the Mosaic Law. (2)  

For example, when the Lord visited Abraham in the form of three men who appeared to be like three angels, he bowed to the ground in front of them and offered them hospitality and rest (Genesis 18). Abraham ordered water to be brought so they could wash their feet, pointed to the shade of a tree where they could lie down, and requested his wife, Sarah, to bake three fresh cakes of bread while he hurried to choose a calf from the flock that was to be prepared with curds and milk (Genesis 18:7-8). Abraham sat with the mysterious visitors and set all the most delicious foods that his household could provide in front of them. Standing by them, the men revealed to him the will of God: In a year’s time, Abaraham and Sarah shall have a son (Genesis 10:10). Sarah laughed when she heard these words from inside the tent, because they were both advanced in age and she was beyond child-bearing age. To which the Lord replied: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) A year later, as promised, Sarah bore a son to Abraham and they named him Isaac (Yitzhak, the one who laughs, in Hebrew), for his mother has said: “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6).

In the New Testament, the theme of hospitality is further explained with the example of Martha and Mary. The two sisters were friends of Jesus. They were the sisters of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised form the dead (John 11:1-44). They lived in Bethany, a village about two miles east of Jerusalem. (3) Jesus knew the family well and they welcomed him and the disciples into their home. It is easy to imagine the excitement of Martha and Mary who were tasked with planning a meal, purchasing the required ingredients, and making all the preparations so that Jesus and his disciples can dine in comfort. 

Once Jesus arrived, Martha continued to busy herself with the chores. Mary, however, decided to “sit at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying” (Luke 10:39). Seeing that her sister is with the Lord, sitting at his feet and listening to his words instead of helping out with the preparations, Martha addressed Jesus with rather harsh words: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do the work all by myself? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10:3). Acknowledging Martha’s frustration, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things” (Luke 10:4), Jesus commended Mary for choosing to prioritize learning from him: “…there is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42).  

Facing an apparent conflict between the values of service and spiritual development, Jesus placed emphasis on learning from Him in this moment. He praised wanting to receive spiritual nourishment above providing for the physical needs of the guests. He emphasized that while service was necessary, receiving spiritual nourishment was essential. 

This story, like the parable of the Good Samaritan, was recorded to teach about an important aspect of hospitality: balance. Martha, like the Good Samaritan, is active, goal-directed, and practical. She is the epitome of a dutiful and diligent woman of faith. (4) This aspect of Christian life demonstrates love through service and providing for the needs of others. Mary, who prioritizes time with Jesus over her active ministry, embodies reflective and contemplative life, characterized by discernment. She draws near to Jesus and listens to his every word. (4) 

Given the situation, Martha’s business and worries are self-defeating. Her lack of presence is coupled with harsh words. This seems to be exactly the opposite effect than what she wanted to work toward: a nice reception for Jesus and his disciples. Metaphorically, when we are busy with our tasks, it is easy to overlook priorities and lose sight of the spiritual heart of the matter. 

Mary’s choice to sit quietly and pay attention to Jesus, allowing herself to be touched by his words, reminds us of the importance of quiet contemplation, reflection, and prayer, allowing ourselves to listen to the Word of God and to be transformed by it. 

Martha and Mary are not opposites, but two sisters. With this example, Jesus points out that to make good decisions, such as the Good Samaritan, we have to be anchored in God’s truth. Especially in difficult situations, where we can be easily overwhelmed or confused, prayer and contemplation can guide our decisions. Prayer and time with God can help us to gain strength for our actions. Quiet and reflection can help us to see beyond our immediate reality the larger picture within which we can act. Ideally, our service can be rooted in prayer and contemplation and our actions guided by closeness and love of God and our neighbor.

Saint Gregory the Great placed prayer over actions when he wrote: For what is set forth by Mary, who sitting down gave an ear to the words of our Lord, save the life of contemplation? And what by Martha, so busied with outward services, save the life of action? Now Martha’s concern is not reproved but that of Mary is even commended. For the merits of the active life are great, but of the contemplative far better.” (5) Nevertheless, reading the Gospel of John, we know that Martha was the one who went out to meet Jesus when Lazarus died (John 22:20), while Mary remained at home. According to tradition, later, Martha went with Mary and Lazarus to Gaul (France), serving as missionaries. (4,6)

It appears then all these holy men and women paid attention to the Lord. That is how they heard the news that was too wonderous for their ears to behold and acted with faith on the promises that seemed impossible. 

Therefore, the Good News of today is that between the past, what has been; the present, what is; and the future, what can be, and what ought to be, hope pulsates in the phrase: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) 

References

  1. Wheelock, F. M. (2005). Wheelock’s Latin, 6th ed. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. Page 477.
  2. Cook, E. J. (2006). Hospitality is Biblical—and It’s Not Optional. Retrieved from: www.catholic.com. Accessed: July 19, 2025. 
  3. Breen, A. E. (1907). Bethany. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved from: www.newadvent.org/cathen/02531a.htm Accessed: July 19, 2025.
  4. Vatican News (2017-2025). Saint Martha, Disciple of the Lord. Retrieved from: www.vaticannews.va Accessed: July 19, 2025.
  5. Gonsalves, F. (2019). Fr Francis’ Homily: When God Comes as Guest. Three Voices from Tradition. Words of St. Gregory the Great. Retrieved from: www.catholicmatters.org Accessed: July 19, 2025.
  6. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (2025). St. Martha. Retrieved from: www.ap.church. Accessed: July 19, 2025.