Tuesday of the
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Galatians 1:13-24; Luke 10:38-42)
It is said that St. John Paul II used to teach that the
first duty of every Christian is to allow herself to be loved by God. Some people seem to believe that they must
earn this love so they never stop working.
They act in a way similar to Martha
in today’s gospel.
Remember the story of Jesus visiting Zacchaeus’ home; how
he tells the tax collector, “’…salvation has come to this house.’” Salvation has come to Martha and Mary’s home,
but Martha does not realize her fortune.
Her only concern is service to her guests. As admirable as this intention may be, it
blocks an encounter with the Lord. Out
of obsessive concern for work Martha misses a unique opportunity for
salvation. Mary, in contrast, realizes
the uniqueness of the opportunity. She
responds with attentiveness to what Jesus has to say.
The long day provides many opportunities to work. It also offers us moments to contemplate
God’s goodness and to thank Him for His bounty.
We are wise to be a little like both sisters in this gospel episode. Like Mary we want to attend to the Lord by
cherishing his words and thanking him for his goodness. Like Martha we want to serve him by caring
for the need of others.
