Scripture Reflection, July 20, 2025, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Genesis 18:1-10a Colossians 1:24-28 Luke 10:38-42

Pity the priest who has to preach on today's gospel; it tempts us to take sides and that is a losing proposition.

We know the story. Jesus comes to visit his friends at Bethany. Martha is busy in the kitchen with the tasks of hospitality. Her sister, Mary, however, has chosen to sit and listen to Jesus in the other room. Martha asks Jesus to send Mary to the kitchen to help. And Jesus, instead, supports Mary's decision.

So at this point in the story, how do you feel about Martha? About Mary? In fact, how do you feel about Jesus?

First let's remember a couple of things. The Jews put great emphasis on hospitality. Jesus was not belittling Martha's work. Also, though Jesus had men and women disciples, theological study in the synagogue was reserved for men. Jesus’ inclusion of women among his “students “ was exceptional. So instead of choosing between Martha and Mary, I suggest we take a look at the difference between “doing” and “being.”

For many years the family all gathered at our house on Christmas Eve for a gift exchange and meal. Though everyone contributed to the buffet, still I was the hostess. And the Martha in me was given full reign! I hovered at the buffet. Do we need more chicken wings? How is the dip holding up on the veggie tray? And on and on!

At the end of the evening I had the satisfaction of knowing everyone had been well fed and given their presents. But what about presence? I had not had a significant conversation with anyone.

By the time Covid hit, the family had grown to include quite a crew! Clearly, having twenty people packed into our living room was ill- advised. So, instead, the the family took turns over the holiday coming in small groups. A son and daughter-in-law, empty-nesters, stopped for a glass of wine and cheese and crackers one evening. A grandson with his newly minted driver’s license drove his sister over for hot cocoa and Christmas cookies and I learned so much about their young lives. A daughter and her family, game players all, came for snacks and a rousing afternoon of Christmas trivia games.

This was presence. Being instead of doing.

Our culture prizes doing, accomplishing tasks. And certainly work needs to be done. But Zoom is not the same thing as sitting across from another person and social media is even less intimate.

I like to think that Jesus was reminding Martha and Mary how important it is that we not lose being present to each other as we complete the necessary tasks in our lives

And I like to think that Luke forgot to include Jesus saying "Come join us, Martha, and we'll all help get the meal ready later “

by: Pat Schnee