I once went to give a retreat to a group of wonderful sisters—however the hardworking Mother Superior cautioned me that in that particular convent there were "too many Martha's and not enough Mary's!" She felt that she needed more apostolic action in the convent and less contemplation. The reality is, of course, that we need both in the Christian life—it does not matter if we live in a convent, family home or a presbytery, there has to be opportunities for both action and reflection. Indeed, reflective action is essential if our work is going to be nothing more than a nice social service.

In the gospel today, Jesus is in Bethany at the home of his dear friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary. His Bethany experience was essential for his ministry: it allowed him a chance for relaxation, fun, and the chance to be himself among those who only had his best interests at heart. Today I give thanks to those wonderful friends and family who have opened their homes and hearts to me. I have been so blessed to have people in my life who only want to care. They have been a listening ear in the times of turmoil and difficulty, while being also being there to share moments of deep joy and happiness. True Bethany friends are there for the long haul. A good way of finding who they are is when trauma hits you like a tsunami: the ones who drip you like a hot potato reveal their true colours—you soon realise that they were never really friends after all, as their silence speaks volumes. Your Bethany friends with be there for you, as they offer that care and support that will, ultimately, get you through the crisis. Pain is never a good end itself, but I have found out who I could trust and will turn to in those times of brokenness.

In our Church today, as we strive to work in a way that reflects the Trinity through the synod process, the image of Mary of Bethany stands as an important icon. She is not content to sit in the kitchen making the sandwiches and pouring the tea. Rather she sits with the men, listening to the Word. She is the faithful one, encouraged by Jesus—she has chosen the better part, and she will make a difference. Jesus does not criticize Martha for being busy or active. He corrects her for being anxious and distracted. Not her physical activity, but her spiritual activity. She is worried about a great many things. Jesus is not telling her to stop being active. Also, he does not necessarily praise Mary for being a better person; just that she's made the better choice in that moment

Martha's active ministry is needed too—without her, the company would be lost and very hungry! While today gives us an opportunity to thank those 'Martha's' who bring so much to the life of the Church, we must remember that all must play their part in building up the reign of God. As a Church, we must look to gifts and talents of all, regardless of gender or age. Don Bosco wanted his Salesians to be 'contemplatives in action', following the example of these two unique women. Today offers us that chance to look at our own lifestyle: are we too active just spending our Christian lives spinning plates, with no thought as to the direction we are going? Are we so caught up in our own thoughts that we are in danger of becoming narcissists? Mary saw that Jesus had come to their home not to be fed, but to feed. The welcome he sought most was their time, their friendship, their love, their open ears and open hearts. Mary understood this and sat at Jesus' feet listening to him as if nothing in the rest of the world really mattered—because, in fact, Jesus implies, nothing in the rest of the world really does matter anywhere near as much as that. As always, Jesus calls for a healthy balance: I pray that you find that balance this week. This prayer of Klara Munkres could help us:

Lord of all pots and pans and things,

Since I've no time to be

A saint by doing lovely things or

Watching late with thee,

Or dreaming in the twilight or

Storming heaven's gates.

Make me a saint by getting meals or

Washing up the plates.

Although I must have Martha's hands,

I have Mary's mind, and,

When I black the boots and shoes

Thy sandals, Lord, I find.

I think of how they trod the earth

What time I scrub the floor,

Accept this meditation, Lord,

I haven't time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with thy love,

And light it with thy peace,

Forgive me all my worrying

And make all grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food

In room or by the sea

Accept this service that I do

I do it unto thee

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Image: Photo by Evan Brockett on Unsplash