RBWords

     I heard a story once about a preacher who scolded his congregation by saying:  'The problem with this congregation is that there are too many Mary's and not enough Martha's!" If we look at either of the alternative gospel scriptures for today's feast of St. Martha, we see a remarkable consistency about the two sisters even though the Johannine and Lucan "traditions" are very different.  Martha is the extrovert.  Mary is the introvert.  Martha runs around.  Mary sits still.  Martha scolds.  Mary is silent.  However, I'm not aware that this particular Mary gets a separate feast day in the calendar!!!!  (She does earn Jesus' praise for "choosing the better part" in the story from Luke!)

     As one who has pastored campus and regular parish communities, I do have to express my appreciation for the Martha's on this feast day.  Far be it from me to ignore the importance of the more contemplative side of life.  The Martha's are often the ones who make that contemplative part possible!  I know women who play both roles rather well!  Just ask anyone who lives in a "contemplative" monastery!  However, I am grateful that all the wonderful secretaries I have had the privilege of working with were basically Martha types and they kept me sane on the job.  Yes, hospitality is very important (as in the Lucan story above) and I think Martha does say to Jesus what was on everyone else's mind [read the whole story of the raising of Lazarus, esp. verse 37].  Martha is not in an "either....or" role.  She and Mary are both important parts of a "both...and!"  But today's Martha's day.  I'll try to make it up to Mary later on!   AMEN