It's Complicated

It's not a surprise that human lives - human relationships - are complex. There are layers, things that seem obvious and things that are hidden. So if we all know that lives are complicated, why do we take such a simplistic view of today's gospel reading from Luke? Jesus understood the complexities, and if we read more carefully we can get a sense that Luke is relating a story that is not about making a simple choice between two paths of discipleship. Jesus wants Mary and Martha to understand who they are, and WHOSE they are. And he wants the same for us.

Luke 10:38-42

At the Home of Martha and Mary

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”