The readings for the 16th Sunday invite us into a deeper understanding of hospitality and the call to prioritize what truly matters. In our first reading from Genesis, we witness Abraham’s encounter with three visitors, with remarkable generosity, he offers them food and shelter, exemplifying true hospitality. This ancient practice reveals not just a cultural norm but a profound spiritual reality, the recognition that in serving others, we often encounter God. Abraham’s hospitality is not merely about food and drink; it is rooted in a desire to welcome the divine presence into his home. Today’s Psalm asks us what it takes to dwell in the presence of the Lord. It emphasizes integrity, righteousness, and a heart that values others. All of these points point to the essential truth that our relationship and how we treat others reflect our relationship with God. The second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Colossians speaks of the mystery of Christ, which he proclaims amid suffering. His labor is for the sake of others so that they may be brought to maturity in faith. Like Abraham, Paul willingly offers his life and efforts as an act of service, reminding us that our lives are interconnected in the body of Christ.
The Gospel passage of today follows immediately after the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37), which focuses on active love of neighbor. The juxtaposition is intentional: Luke places action (good Samaritan) and contemplation (Mary at Jesus’ feet) side by side to show two dimensions of Christian discipleship. This story is unique to Luke, who frequently highlights women’s roles, hospitality, and discipleship (Luke 8:13). Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem; He entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him in to her home. The village is not named here, but John 11:1 identifies Martha and Mary as living in Bathany, near Jerusalem. However, Luke places this event earlier in Jesus’ ministry and does not mention Bethany and Lazarus. Martha and Mary rejoiced at each visit of Jesus to their home; they were glad to provide him with a place of rest in his journey’s, a refuge in his struggle with the Jewish leaders. The fact that Martha appears as the head of the household is noteworthy. Women often played key roles in early Christian communities, Mary’s position sitting at Jesus’ feet was the posture of disciple, traditionally reserved for male students of rabbis. This is a significant detail indicating a break from gender norms. Paul uses the same image in Acts 22: 3 “at the feet of Gamaliel”. Martha is busy, she is preparing, serving, and making sure everything is in order. She wants to honor Jesus with her hospitality and that’s a good thing; but in her busyness, she becomes distracted, anxious, and even frustrated with her sister.
Martha finally speaks up: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself”, can’t we all relate? We have all been there overwhelmed, unappreciated, wanting help. But Jesus answers with great tenderness: “Martha, Martha you are anxious and worried about many things. Only one thing is necessary, Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” The double name is a sematic expression of affection and gentle re-proof (Jerusalem, Jerusalem in Luke 13:34). All that Jesus wanted was quiet. With the cross before him and with inner tension in his heart, he had turned aside to Bethany to find an oasis of calm away from the demanding crowds, if one only an hour or two; and this what Mary gave him and what Martha, in her kindness, did her best to destroy. “Mary has chosen the better part” Mary’s choice is not a rejection of service but a prioritization: listening to Jesus is the foundation of discipleship. “Better part” implies a portion that is eternal, not subject to loss or anxiety. This echoes Deuteronomy 8:3 “man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
Jesus doesn’t criticize Martha’s work. He doesn’t say that the service is bad. But he lovingly invites her to see what truly matters: being present to Him. As Christians, we are called to balance our acts of service with attentive listening to God’s word. Martha and Mary teach us the importance of both action and contemplation. In our journey of faith, let us strive to create spaces where we welcome one another, where we can listen to God’s voice amid our busy lives, and where our acts of kindness reflect His love. Amen