Homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the story of Jesus visiting his friends Martha and Mary in the village of Bethany, one can't help but feel a bit sorry for Martha. It was her home, and she naturally wanted to present it in the best way possible. However, her tendency to be overly anxious about details led her to focus on what she viewed as a single correct way to do things, which resulted in stress when others chose differently. What she didn't realize is that genuine hospitality involves setting aside our own concerns and concentrating on what our guests genuinely need.

Martha had deep affection for Jesus, and it's evident that He loved both Mary and Martha. The problem was that she did not recognize how Jesus wanted to be welcomed. Mary understood that when Jesus came to see them that day, He was more interested in conversation than food. While Martha worked, focused on serving and cleaning, Mary had a better grasp of Jesus' expectations. Her intuitive sense recognized the primary purpose of His visit: He came not to receive, but to give; not to be served, but to serve. He had a message to share, and they were meant to listen.

This exchange illustrates a theology of contemplation, showing how to welcome the Lord's presence. It begins with the idea that, regardless of who visits us, there is always something valuable to learn from them. The person knocking on our door has something to share that deserves our attention and understanding. After having a challenging debate with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus sought out His friends for a moment of peace. He engages with us during the quiet of evening or the newness of morning, eager to share the Word of life. He comes not out of necessity for us, but because we need Him. We can all get sidetracked and "worry and fret about many things," missing the "better part"—the essential act of listening to Christ's Word.

Our world is filled with both Marthas and Marys—those who take action and those who dream—and there are far more doers than dreamers. Today's society places immense importance on accomplishments. What matters is achieving concrete results. In business, production and sales goals are established, and only those who reach them receive rewards. Business leaders often tie compensation to output: "shape up or ship out." Those who can't or won't keep up frequently lose their jobs. This scenario reflects Martha's world. Fortunately, we still have dreamers among us, and like Jesus, we should value their contributions to our lives.

Are there Marys around us now? Yes. Not all of them live in monasteries, although some do, quietly praying for all of us. Many people lead busy lives at work and home, but still manage to carve out time for prayer and church attendance. Others dedicate their creative efforts to writing or art, tirelessly working towards a vision of a better world for future generations. These poets, artists, writers, philosophers, and mystics, like Mary, have chosen the more meaningful path or, as Jesus calls it, the better part.[1]

[1] Based on a homily from the Association of Catholic Priests.