The need to be balanced disciples

Martha says to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving”? (Luke 10:38-42).

The story of Martha and Mary is one of my favorite biblical passages. The story speaks to some of us who are struggling to meet up with the activities of the day. It is about balancing work and prayers. This story reminds me of what we were taught in the novitiate as novices. We were taught not to neglect both our prayers and duties. Most often, some respected men and women of God use the Latin expression, Laborare est orare (to work is to pray) to justify their actions when one part is neglected.
Jesus is a friend to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He is welcome into their friends’ home. The Jewish tradition of hospitality requires the host to treat his or her guest well. Most often, the guest could lavishly be entertained. As a typical Jewish woman, Martha was busy with the household duties because Jesus should be fed. Accordingly, Martha lost her temper and patience of doing all the household duties. She needed help and turned to Jesus for help, but his answer turned her off. According to Jesus, Mary has chosen a better part, and this must not be taken from her (Luke 10:42).
The story of Mary and Martha has a lot of practical lessons for us as we are committed to be faithful disciples of Jesus. Jesus did not condemn Martha’s attitude toward household duties. But Jesus also took the opportunity to teach us the need to be balanced disciples. After all, Jesus was lavishly entertained after his encounter with Martha. However, Jesus elevated listening to the Word of God over any other duty.
Most often, we do not have time to say our prayers or read the Word of God. Jesus, on the other hand, did not condemn Martha for being busy to attend to his needs. But, what Jesus is saying is not to be too overzealous toward domestic work to the detriment of the Word of God. There is need to strike a balance in our daily duties.
There is always need to find our balance in all that we do in our lives. There is a time for everything (Eccl 3:1). We should be both Mary and Martha. It is wrong just to be either Mary or Martha. There are different ways of serving God. We serve God by attending to the needs of our neighbors (Matt. 25:34, 35). The story of a certain monk exemplifies this. This monk was praying, but he left his prayers to attend to the need of a man who needed the sacrament of reconciliation.
Martha welcomed Jesus not only as a friend, but as a prophet. Jesus represents God. Martha wanted to make Jesus feel comfortable. She showed a special generosity to Christ.
What is the challenge for us? We are challenged to be people of prayers as well as people who care for the needs of people in our households. We should be judged by how much we are able to carry out our practical service to God. We are also challenged to consider our priorities by listening to God’s Word.

Father Joachim Ifezuo Oforchukwu, C.S.Sp., holds doctorates in education and practical theology.