16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

Mary has chosen the better part.

Lk 10:38-42

The Martha and Mary mentioned here are the same as the Martha and Mary mentioned in Jn 11:1-3.
We also notice that Jn 11:20 confirms the character of Martha as the active one and Mary as the laidback.
Moreover, the Mary in these two passages cannot be identified with Mary Magdalene.

She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.

This verse portrays Mary assuming the attitude of a disciple. We read the same thing in Lk 8:35.
In the Jewish context, the disciple sits at the feet of the teacher while the latter teaches the former (Acts 22:3).

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.

Only a few things are needed. Jesus is telling Martha that she need only to prepare a simple meal.

Martha is being reproached not because she is busy preparing the meal, but because of self-pity. Furthermore, Jesus is not asking her to stop what she was doing.

This verse is not teaching that contemplation is superior to action. But this verse is about listening to God’s Word, and that it is more important than any earthly pre-occupation.