The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to apply the dynamism of Paul, the contemplation of Mary, and the action of Martha to our journey as disciples of Christ.
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians describes His Call by Christ.
* [1:13–17] Along with Phil 3:4–11, which also moves from autobiography to its climax in a discussion on justification by faith (cf. Gal 2:15–21), this passage is Paul’s chief account of the change from his former way of life (Gal 1:13) to service as a Christian missionary (Gal 1:16); cf. Acts 9:1–22; 22:4–16; 26:9–18. Paul himself does not use the term “conversion” but stresses revelation (Gal 1:12, 16). In Gal 1:15 his language echoes the Old Testament prophetic call of Jeremiah. Unlike the account in Acts (cf. Acts 22:4–16), the calling of Paul here includes the mission to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles (Gal 1:16).
* [1:16] Flesh and blood: human authorities (cf. Mt 16:17; 1 Cor 15:50). Paul’s apostleship comes from God (Gal 1:1).
* [1:17] Arabia: probably the region of the Nabataean Arabs, east and south of Damascus.
* [1:18–24] Paul’s first journey to Jerusalem as a Christian, according to Galatians (cf. Acts 9:23–31 and the note on Acts 12:25). He is quite explicit about contacts there, testifying under oath (Gal 1:20). On returning to Syria (perhaps specifically Damascus, cf. Gal 1:17) and Cilicia (including his home town Tarsus, cf. Acts 9:30; 22:3), Paul most likely engaged in missionary work. He underscores the fact that Christians in Judea knew of him only by reputation.
* [1:18] After three years: two years and more, since Paul’s call. To confer with Cephas may mean simply “pay a visit” or more specifically “get information from” him about Jesus, over a two-week period. Cephas: Aramaic name of Simon (Peter); cf. Mt 16:16–18 and the notes there.
* [1:19] James the brother of the Lord: not one of the Twelve, but a brother of Jesus (see note on Mk 6:3). He played an important role in the Jerusalem church (see note on Gal 2:9), the leadership of which he took over from Peter (Acts 12:17). Paul may have regarded James as an apostle. (Galatians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 139 praises The Inescapable God
* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24). (Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Visits Martha and Mary.
* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.
* [10:39] Sat beside the Lord at his feet: it is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3), and it reveals a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3).
* [10:42] There is need of only one thing: some ancient versions read, “there is need of few things”; another important, although probably inferior, reading found in some manuscripts is, “there is need of few things, or of one.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)
Nancy Shirley reflects that being Martha is not always as positive as some experiences. Especially when she was still working, she could lose herself in the mundane day to day chores and forget the wonders of the world.
It was/is so easy to be bogged down by such duties and to miss the miracles in front of oneself as Martha did with Jesus in her home. The holidays are a time when I will get so wrapped up (no pun intended) in the decorating and preparation, I can fall short in the appreciation of the true meaning of the season. I think as I age, I am better at that and realizing how much I want to hold on to the memories and not the things. My appreciation of my Lord and Savior is certainly more center stage than in my youth. I believe I am more centered although clearly God isn’t done with me yet and I can still learn so much from Mary and practice just sitting at the feet of Jesus and appreciating this extraordinary Gift!! (Shirley, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 10:38-42 comments that St. Ambrose said that our service must be “diligent and not distracted.” Martha’s mistake was not in her service but in letting the work distract her. The key, as Mary shows us, is to try to hold Christ at the center of our gaze. It’s to remember that Jesus himself is present in the person we are serving (Matthew 25:40). We will be able to keep our peace when we keep our hearts fixed on encountering Jesus in those people.
Thank God for the Marthas in the world, who notice the needs of suffering people and act to meet them. And thank God for the Marys, who call us always to remember Jesus. May we learn to do Martha’s part with the purity of Mary’s heart.
“Jesus, keep my heart fixed on you as my hands are fixed on serving your people.” (Meditation on Luke 10:38-42, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the declaration of Paul of his history as a Jewish student of Gamaliel who consulted with Peter as he continued his missionary efforts. The account of Martha and Mary was used to promote the contemplative life as superior to the active life. Friar Jude reminds us of our tendency to overdue preparations that may take us away from attention to our guests.
Barbara Holmes shares her recent experience of dancing with God in a time of uncertainty. Holmes reminds us that fire is a part of our dance with the Divine:
But where does the fire come in? Well, we know we can’t see God’s countenance and live. God appears in the elements of nature, a cloud, fire, and wind. For Moses, the burning bush is God. I believe that fire, the element “shut up in our bones” [see Jeremiah 20:9], is always a part of the dance. It awakens us, it helps us to dream, it clears away debris.
Whatever is going on in your life right now, this too shall pass. Where do you find your joy? If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry. Your soul knows the steps. Wherever life finds you, don’t forget to dance and sing with the God who dances like the whirlwind with you. (Holmes, n.d.)
We reflect on our faith journey to date and express gratitude for the inspiration to respond to the call sometimes as Mary and even in our self giving as Martha.
References
Galatians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/1?13
Holmes, B. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. A Divine Invitation. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100824.html
Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38
Meditation on Luke 10:38-42. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/08/1099062/
Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct8
Shirley, N. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100824.html
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