As I read this passage again, I'm
pondering over whether I'm Mary or Martha. From various commentaries, Martha is
presented as a symbol of action-oriented people. She was too busy preparing the
meal to listen to Jesus. Yet, it is Martha who welcomed Jesus into her home. She's
the epitome of hospitality. Mary is the reflective one. She's sitting at Jesus'
feet listening. Women were discouraged from learning. However, Jesus encouraged
Mary, a woman, to sit with the disciples and the other men who had gathered to
listen. We're told that Jesus spoke, answered questions, told parables and
taught. I can truly understand why Mary stayed there. I would have done
the same. This was a moment of grace and blessing.
"Mary & Martha's" is a lovely, expensive and earth-scented store in
Columbia, S.C. When I walked into the store, the two women who own this store
were not only gracious, but welcomed me as a celebrity who had come home. This
store captures well the teaching in story of Mary & Martha. Life is a blend
of reflective listening and attending to our ministry with the finest details.
At first sight, Mary and Martha
are presented as two sisters whose life choices contradict each other.
Seemingly, both want nourishment from Jesus. Our life as women religious is a
blend of being a Mary and a Martha. We are often very busy with the daily tasks
of our ministry. Yet, we must take time to pray, meditate and listen to the
Lord.
Perhaps, too often, our ministries
call us to be a Martha. This week, let us take some extra time to sit at the
feet of Jesus. We too, might find grace and blessing.
-Sister Roberta Fulton,
S.S.M.N.
Sisters of St. Mary of Namur . 241 Lafayette Avenue . Buffalo, New York 14213 . (716) 884-8221