My Dear People, 

Jesus stopped at the home of Martha and Mary to share a meal with them. Mary and Martha, however, had different attitudes about hosting Jesus in their home. Mary’s concern was what Jesus could teach her; and so, she sat at His feet soaking up His teachings. Martha, on the other hand, was concerned with how she should serve Jesus. She stayed busy preparing and serving the food. 

Martha is not ill-intentioned, and Jesus treats her gently, “Martha, Martha. . . “ The interpretation of her name is a sign of affection and love. He understands her mindset and knows that her desire to serve is ultimately also an expression of love for Him (even if misguided). “You are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”

What is the “one thing”? The Scripture holds layers of meanings. On a deeper level, the “one thing” that is necessary is communion with God. This is the only thing that matters, and it is all we will do and enjoy in eternity. Martha’s noble intentions cause her to lose communion with Jesus. Staying busy serving is not spending time with Him. Mary seems to understand this as she sits at Jesus’s feet.   

Concerning Mary’s actions, we can apply a pleasing interpretation of an important Old testament text. After the Sinai Covenant was solemnized in Exodus: 24:1-8, the leaders of Israel went up on Mount Sinai and shared a meal with God. “They beheld God and ate and drank” (Exod. 24:11). Some ancient Rabbis took this to mean: “They looked at God, and in this way, they ate and drank.” In other words, the Beatific Vision was their sustenance. We can apply this verse to Mary—while Martha tries to prepare a physical meal, Mary beholds Jesus, and that is sustenance enough for her. We should meditate on this concept in Eucharistic Adoration. 

This Sunday, we hear these words proclaimed at Mass, our own covenant meal with God present. Yet we need to remember the Mass is not something we do for God, nor is it a meal we host for God. The Mass is something God does for us! He is the host of the meal. 

We do not do God a favor by showing up for church on Sunday and throwing something into the collection plate. This does nothing for God. It does not enhance His dignity or add anything to His power or glory. God does us a favor by hosting a meal for us every Sunday in which He offers Himself to us as food, in the most intimate act of communion with Himself imaginable. Mass is not about what we do for God but about what God does for us. 

At this Sunday’s Mass, let’s pray more intensely for God to work in our hearts, to forgive our sins, and to transform the way we think and act. Strive to become like the man of Psalm 15 who is suitable to dwell in God’s presence, or like Mary, who understood the “one thing” necessary and was willing to say “no” to distraction and demands in order to soak in the presence and teachings of Jesus.  

Like Mary, be willing to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. Sitting or kneeling before the blessed Sacrament,  you will be in communion with God. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Clemente