As we listened to today’s gospel, I’m sure that many of you felt sorry for poor Martha who was left with all the work to do and who had to scurry about trying to carry out all the duties of good hospitality, while her sister, Mary, did nothing but sit at Jesus’ feet. Many probably asked themselves the question, why is it that Martha is apparently being criticized in this gospel, while Mary, who appears to be somewhat lazy and even selfish, is praised by Jesus? Surely Martha is doing just what Abraham and Sarah did for their guests in today’s first reading. For what they did, they received a blessing as their reward, and yet the Lord seems to criticize Martha. However, the difference is that when Abraham is visited, he acts as a servant to his guests; not joining them in the meal, but rather, standing nearby being ready to see to their needs. It is precisely in this regard, that Mary, rather than Martha, follows the example of Abraham.

What are Jesus’ needs -- to be waited on, to be served? Scripture tells us that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve – what we call diaconate. And part of his mission was to make disciples, who would learn from him and then spread his gospel among all nations. In sitting at the Lord’s feet, Mary is in fact serving the Lord, because she is doing precisely what he wants – listening to his message and letting it sink into her heart. She is assuming – both literally and figuratively – the position of a disciple. Martha on the other hand is too busy and too preoccupied with her own desire to be the perfect hostess, which is her top priority.

Today’s gospel is sort of a commentary on last week’s gospel story about the Good Samaritan. In it, the priest and the Levite, like Martha, were too busy with the priorities in their own lives to see what was really important and what was being asked of them. Like the Good Samaritan, who puts aside his own plans in order to help the injured man, Mary is able to see what is most important and essential, and what the moment demands. In sitting at the Lord’s feet, she welcomed him and was obedient to his needs. She listened to what he had to say to her. Martha on the other hand never heard, because she was so wrapped up in what she thought was important that she missed the experience of sitting at the Lord’s feet and of being a disciple.

In a very real sense, the two sisters, Martha and Mary, in today’s gospel, represent two different ways of expressing religion. Martha is representative of those who diligently work at religion by visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, raising money for the benefit of the poor, or teaching CCD classes, among other things. They are the activists, who work and work and work. It seems that one task is hardly done before they are going on to the next. They are the doers of good works.

Mary, on the other hand represents those whose expression of religion is more largely a matter of meditation and contemplation. They spend most of their time in prayer and study in order to deepen and purify their spiritual life. Success for them comes when they are able to face the future without fear and have the ability to forgive others with no trace of bitterness in their hearts.

What is your own approach to religion? Is your approach that of Martha, busily at work with all the details of hospitality, or that of Mary, who sits at the feet of Jesus, hanging on his every word? The reality is that for many of us this changes from time to time, as well as it should. A healthy religious life cannot be a matter of all Martha or Mary, but rather, a blend of both. St. Theresa once said, "To give the Lord a perfect hospitality, it is necessary that Mary and Martha be joined as one."

I think the lesson to be learned from today’s gospel lies in the relationship between discipleship and diaconate, or rather, listening and service. Mary takes the posture of the disciple, by sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him. Martha, on the other hand, takes on the deacon’s role of service – by waiting on tables. Jesus does not condemn either role, but rather, points out the natural order, which is to listen first, then act. Discipleship and diaconate need each other. It is like putting one foot in front of the other. We just need to know which is the best foot to put forward. Listen first; then act.