In the Service of Christ

Today’s Gospel presents the story of Martha and Mary. According to the Gospel of John, there were three siblings: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, who resided in Bethany. Today’s reading tells the story of Martha, who was upset with her sister Mary for not helping her with household chores and complained about her to Jesus.

The Gospel emphasizes the importance of being at the Master’s feet to listen to Him, to hear the Word of God, before immersing ourselves in our ministerial commitments and service activities in the church or in society. However, the passage has a much deeper meaning. Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus and his disciples were traveling together, and a woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. But what happened to the disciples? Were they not welcomed by Martha?

When the evangelists presented the siblings’ families, they only mentioned brothers and sisters. They did not mention their parents, spouses, or children. The family of Bethany represents the Christian community of brothers and sisters. Therefore, Luke does not men􀆟on the entry of the disciples into the house or that of other members of Martha’s family. Martha and her brothers are the Lord’s hosts; they are the Chris􀆟an community, the brothers and sisters who welcome Jesus.

In Jewish culture, the men of the family received and served guests, while the women remained inside the house and were not seen by men. But with Jesus, Luke presents a role reversal. There is no distinction between men and women in Jesus’ world. The second sister, Mary, was “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” Sitting “at the feet” of a teacher was an expression indicating the act of a disciple learning from a rabbi. Here, Luke presents Mary as a disciple learning from the Master. Once again, in Jewish culture, no rabbi accepted women as students. However, Jesus changes the social order that existed at that time.

Luke mentions this incident as a catechetical lesson for Christian communities of the past and today. There are many people of good will who dedicate themselves to the service of Christ and their brothers and sisters. They are generous with their time, effort, and money. This week, God warns us not to neglect listening to the Word of God. When the Word of God doesn’t guide our actions of service, our community decisions, and our ministerial and pastoral projects, it can fill us with anxiety, confusion, and nervousness, as it did Martha.

On behalf of our entire parish community, I want to thank the many women who contribute their knowledge, talents, time, energy, and love to various ministries and services in our intercultural Catholic community, Mission San Luis Rey Parish. Thank you.

May the Lord always grant you his peace!

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM Pastor,
Mission San Luis Rey Parish