Luke 10:38-42

Friends together

Mary Patricia Trainor

Tomorrow—July 29–we are offered the ever-appealing story of sisters Martha and Mary. They live along the path to Jericho, in a town called Bethany.

Lazarus, their brother, lives with them in what the gospeler Luke describes as Martha’s house. All three siblings are friends of Jesus, though how the friendship began we are left to wonder.

As Martha begins to whip up a dinner for their special friend, Mary follows him into the living space, sits on the floor, and listens intently to everything he says.

Martha is annoyed. And probably overwhelmed by all that needs doing in order to have dinner. She appeals to Jesus to have Mary help her.

But, no. He notes that, by sitting and listening to him, Mary has chosen “the better part.” He will not take that from her.

I can understand both positions. Maybe you do, too: Being a good hostess versus being a good friend.

This story often leads to conversation in which people—male or female—clearly identify with a particular sister. I’m a Mary. I’m a Martha.

I once engaged in such conversation, too. Nowadays, I am much more content realizing that Jesus needs both types of people to carry his message into the world, to be him to the many who  suffer, who hunger and thirst, who crave even just a speck of hope, to know they are loved and are worthy of love. No matter what.