The two-fold message of Mary and Martha

In the Gospel we hear of the dinner at Bethany with Lazarus. We see Martha and Mary with particular roles at the dinner party. Martha has chosen to serve, whereas Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, washing them with oil. Judas questions the oil that Mary has used on the feet of Jesus saying that it could be sold for more money to help the poor, but Jesus defends Mary and tells her to save the oil for His burial. Jesus tells Judas that He may always have the poor with him, but he does not have Himself (Jesus). Judas, in this Gospel, says that he is there to serve the poor, but he just wants the money. He pretends to help the poor for his own benefit. 

The two-fold message that we see here connects beautifully. Martha chooses to serve and Mary chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus. Both of these are good and have a time and place for each of us. Judas has the poor with him and focuses on money while Mary uses the finest oil to wash the feet of Jesus. Mary gives up the expensive oil to adore Jesus. In the world today, we don’t see this kind of act done. We are constantly told about the negativity and selfishness of others. How often do we hear about someone giving up something that means a lot, or could make them wealthy, in order to help others? Let us reflect on our own lives and the service that we give to others and to God. 

What is it that consumes our lives and pulls us away from God? How often do we fill our lives with things that we think are good, but they distract us from our relationship with God? It seems that so many of us say ‘yes’ to many things that we think are good, but we do too much that ends up draining us and keeping us from what matters…God. Sometimes it is ok to say ‘no’ so that we can foster our relationship with God. As we enter into Holy Week, let us take a good look at our hearts. Are we prepared to fully enter into the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus? If we have filled our lives with things that pull us away from God, how can we simplify our lives so that we may experience the Love that God has for us?

Author: Mallory Wainwright, Theology Department