Thursday 29 July

St Martha (M)

Exodus 40:16-21,34-38, Psalm 84,
Luke 10:38-42

Grow as a disciple

Mary and Martha loved Jesus and he treasured their friendship. Jesus does not criticise Martha when she tries to get Jesus to chastise Mary; he affirms Mary’s choice. Mary broke free from the social conditioning of her time, by sitting as a disciple with a Rabbi. Jesus’ answer was shocking. He effectively challenges Martha to grow in relationship with him on a totally different level. We know from John 11:21 that she learnt well. Forcing a division between service and prayer, or contemplation and action is unhelpful. The invitation is to focus on Christ and grow as his disciple.