Homily for the Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Today's Gospel passage evokes empathy for Martha. She works hard to prepare a meal for Jesus and His friends. But when she complains that her sister Mary isn't helping, Jesus says Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken from her. This may seem unfair to Martha.

We can see from other stories in Scripture that Jesus did not oppose hard work in the service of others. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, He praises the man's mercy and love when he cares for the victim of robbers. The Book of Ecclesiastes says, "There is a time for everything, and a time for every activity under the heavens." So, we might say, "There is a time to be active and a time to refrain from activity."

When Jesus visited Mary and Martha, He felt it was important for them to take a break from their work and listen to what He had to say. Mary understood that Jesus valued the hospitality of listening over the hospitality of being busy. She was more attuned to what the Lord wanted compared to Martha. While the Lord wants us to work for Him, He also wants us to take breaks to listen to Him. True wisdom involves knowing when it's time to be active in the Lord's service and when it's time to sit and listen to His Word.