27th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 29th July 2022 — Gospel: Lk 10,38-42
Hospitality and Spontaneity
Martha was distracted with the cares of the family, and provided suitably to entertain Jesus, the Saviour. It should be said here that there is no evidence that Martha had a worldly or covetous disposition. Her anxiety was to provide suitable entertainment for the Lord Jesus. As mistress of the family, this care properly devolved on her; and the only fault which can be charged on her was too earnest a desire to make such entertainment. Martha was a loving woman wanting to express her love in action. She was a woman of proper expressions of courtesy and kindness. She was a spontaneous woman who was able to express her difficulty to Jesus. She boldly requested the aid of her sister and sought his direction and permission to let Mary assist her. Even though Jesus’ comment was a sort of humiliation, He knew Martha’s heart and her personality. He saw her incessant concern for ensuring that all was well and taken care of in the household. He saw her desire to give him the best meal and hospitality, preparing the way for him and his disciples every time they passed through Bethany. He paid attention to Martha by calling her by name twice. He must have loved Martha more than Mary for her spirit of hospitality and spontaneity.
