Word to the Wise
Sunday, July 22, 2007 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
[Genesis 18:1-10A; Colossians 1:24-28 and Luke 10:38-42]"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."
The Martha/Mary story is one that has been, in quaint country parlance, "rode hard and put up wet!" It has been used traditionally to argue for the superiority of the contemplative life over the apostolically active life. It has nothing to do with that. The story has been used to point the finger at folks who don't help with the chores, too! As one preacher was once quoted to me: "The problem with this congregation is that there are too many Mary's and not enough Martha's!" And, of course, there is the hospitality theme, which appears to be the intent of the lectionary, given the first scripture from Genesis. It seems to me, if I may weigh in with my two bits, that it is a question of priorities. The importance of hospitality is not at issue. In fact, hospitality should be an expression of love and understanding, and not simply a formality. Martha's kind of hospitality can be a way of keeping people at arms' length. Mary invites the Lord in to herself and not just into the house. Jesus affirms her choice. It's something we might give some earnest thought to! AMEN
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