Memorial of St. Martha

Published: July 29, 2015

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor preached the following homily at St. Joseph Church in Norman, Okla. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

Bishop Taylor

To understand this passage, it is important to remember that Jewish teachers did not accept women as disciples because women were not instructed in the law. Nevertheless, as we see from today's Gospel, Mary of Bethany sat at Jesus' feet to listen to his teaching.

Sitting at the feet of the master was the traditional place where disciples sat to learn from the master.

Even though this didn't seem to bother Jesus, Martha apparently believed that women were not supposed to be disciples in this way and objected to the fact that her sister was sitting there at Jesus' feet with the men.

She should be attending to the traditional female duties of hospitality, serving their guests like Martha was. After all, there was clearly another way to follow Jesus. Didn't he say "I am among you as one who serves?"

But here Jesus' response to Martha makes it clear: 1.) That discipleship is greater than service, 2.) That you become a disciple by listening to his word; and 3.) That women can be disciples. Mary has chosen this, "the better part" and no one had the right to take it from her.

Moreover, this discipleship will lead to service on a much higher plane. It is through this "better part" of time spent at the feet of Jesus listening to his word that our service acquires a new motivation that goes beyond mere hospitality and a new purpose: To make present the kingdom of God.

For our service to be effective in building the kingdom of God, it has to be rooted in a living relationship with the person of Jesus and what he has taught us sitting at his feet.