July 25, 2025
This summer, we have the joy of hearing the beautiful Gospel of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38-42) twice: on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (falling in July) and on the feast of Saint Martha, Mary and Lazarus, July 29th.
Is this not an opportunity for us to ask ourselves, in the heart of our summer: are we more Martha or more Mary with the Lord? It doesn't matter whether we are nuns, priests, fathers or mothers, young or old. The message of the Gospel is for all of us, no matter what our state in life or our surroundings are. The figures of Martha and Mary are given to us as models to welcome the Lord into our homes, our hearts and our lives.
Do we tend, like Martha, to get restless in order to have the impression that we are serving the Lord? Or are we more like Mary: we like to be in his presence, to listen to him, to pray, but it's harder for us to find him in the humble tasks of everyday life?
Mary has chosen the better part, which shall not be taken away from her…
This is the response that our Lord gives to Martha (and to us) when we have the impression that we are a little alone in caring for Jesus, in dealing with the burdens of Church life, in passing on the faith to those around us. Yes, sometimes that taste of bitterness and reproach can cross our lips or inhabit our thoughts: Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?
Should we not understand that the better par can also be the portion of service and thankless tasks if it is done for the Lord, with Him and in Him; if it is done with a heart filled with love and gratitude for all that He does for us every day? Then we will be as fulfilled in serving him as we are at his feet listening to him, because in serving him we will be putting into practice the Word, the commandment of love that we have heard from him.
So let's make the most of this summer period, which is quieter than the rest of the year, to rediscover the hospitality of Martha and Mary, to listen to the Word of the Master and put it into practice, to remain in silence at the feet of the Lord and serve him, welcoming him in all those he sends our way. In Saint John's Gospel, Martha said to Mary: The Master is here and he is calling you. What do you expect of me, Lord, this summer? What do you want me to do for you? Help me to be Martha and Mary at the same time, never to fear losing the sweet consolation of your presence when I give my time for my neighbor, when I agree to do something that costs me. And give me the courage to let go of my own plans and accept to ‘waste time’ with you, for you, to listen to you through your Word, through your friends, through the events of life. Let's not delay any more to be Martha and Mary at the same time, welcoming in a well-prepared place our Lord who is ardently seeking our company, but let's be there, available, listening to him, not worrying about the daily tasks but knowing how to choose the good portion; using everyday life as an opportunity to meet the Son of the living God.
