In the previous reading, Christ showed us how loving God without loving our brother man is of no avail. Now we are about to hear the contrary: Charities are necessary, but keeping quiet for hearing the word of God is more necessary. We need an attentive ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit that we may know the time and the place required for helping man. Where and when we must keep quiet for hearing the word of God. Christ has fulfilled both things, for he healed and preached in the world, and remained communicated with his Father at all times, as Paul wrote, "Pray without ceasing", even during everyday work.
When Jesus entered into a certain village, he walked toward a house in which two faithful sisters lived. They were Lazarus’ sisters. Martha was cumbered about serving the guests and providing for their entertainment, while Mary sat with the guests, and listened to the gospel of Christ, for her soul hungered for the word of God.
Martha, overpowered with the excess of her business, exploded with complaint against her sister, and said to the Lord, "How do you let my sister sit lazily at your feet, while I am alone exhausting myself to prepare everything? Tell her to get up and help me so that she may stop her fanciful meditations, and serve love practically with me.
But Jesus reproved Martha severely, and said to her, "Sister, you are about to lose salvation, for you are overworking to offer us your delicious gifts. Be quiet, and let me first give you the blessing and spiritual gifts. I am the Provider, and no one else. I know your need. Certainly, the human body needs some care, but the soul is more important. Now I, Savior of the souls, am present, so limit your housework, and do only what is necessary that you may have time to listen to the gospel of salvation and pray.
Mary also was at the point of danger. She listened only, and did nothing but praying. Nevertheless, Jesus beatified her, for she observed that one thing only was important, that is Jesus Christ. Everything in the world is passing away, even our perishable bodies. But salvation in Christ continues. Thus, man, first of all you need not a house, clothes, job, health, or school, but Jesus alone without whom you will perish. Seek first the Savior of the world and his righteousness, and all your other needs shall be added to you.
It is conspicuously wrong to say that Mary is good and Martha is bad, since both of them loved and honored God, and needed to sanctify their manners. Martha was in need of quietness to listen, and Martha was in need of the motive that would induce her to act in a practical way. It goes without saying that listening to the word of God is more essential than continuous work. Jesus honored Martha, especially in (John 11:5), where we find the strange thing: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." He mentioned the name of Martha before the names of her brother and sister, for she was the most significant person at home. She put her daily work under the gospel of Christ, attaining from it power for faith, and giving it a high place within herself.
How frequently do you hear the word of God, and bring it into effect in your service?