The better part

The Gospel episode tells us of Jesus visiting the house of his friends: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

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Luke highlights two types of hospitality offered by the two sisters. Martha is occupied with the domestic chore of preparing meal for her guest (most probably, for the Apostles as well); her view is that of attending to Jesus’ immediate need before enjoying his company. Pope Francis remarks that Martha’s “philosophy” seems to be duty first, pleasure second. On the other hand, Mary sits beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak, and for

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Jesus she has “chosen the better part” (v 42). This is not to discredit Martha’s attitude of service; rather Jesus accentuates that “listening” to his teachings is a better choice in the new order of pri-