Martha or Mary: a False Choice

Christ in the House of Mary and Martha (Vermeer)

Today's Gospel lesson is little known among non-Christians and does not concern matters of life, death, or eternity. Yet it has sparked endless discussions because people in Bible study groups tend to identify with the protagonists, especially the conscientious one whom Jesus gently chides.

We're talking about Martha and Mary.

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."-----Luke 10:38-42

Conscientiousness is one of the "big five" personality traits. It is not an exaggeration to say that conscientious people are responsible for making the world livable, i.e., for making sure that things get done on time and that the hundreds, even thousands of details that cause households and organizations to work are attended to.

We all know Marys who think that what they have to do is too important to attend to those details. However, when Martha asks Jesus to "tell [Mary] then to help me" Jesus demurs because Mary has made the "better" decision while Martha is "distracted."

It probably comes as no surprise that scholars, priests, and other commentators conclude that Christians need to be both Martha and Mary, that is, serve through their actions and set aside time to contemplate Jesus' teachings. Difficult as it may be, we will not be complete unless we rise above the roles that make us comfortable.