Theology of Priorities- Reflection On Martha & Mary (Luke 10: 38- 42)

Kuunjuni: Lalitha today you have to kindle the lamp

Lalitha: Yes, I will

Kunjuni: Do you remember any chanting what your father had chanted?

Lalitha: Yes

Kunjuni: Lalitha, then today you should start to chant.

The above conversation is from the novel ‘Gurusagaram’ written by O.V. Vijayan. This novel is all about Delhi based Malayalees. The author through this novel explains that Lalitha has forgotten her priorities when she is migrated to Delhi for Job. The readings of the day both epistle and gospel in the same way ask us to reflect on choosing and devoting oneself to do the priorities. St. Paul through the letter to Titus reminds us to avoid evil actions and get ready for every good work. The gospel of Luke points the same theme by differentiating the characters of Martha and Mary. As we all know Martha was very busy in treating Jesus. However the preaching of the retreat preachers and the homilies we heard has made us misunderstand Martha’s action. I would say she also did a good Job. Showing hospitality to the host is a virtue. In Indian milieu Martha cared Jesus as God because we Indians consider ‘Athithi’   as ‘Deva’ host as God.

Then why Jesus did counter her action by saying “Martha you are worried and distracted by many things.” Robin Sharma in his book ‘Mega living’ wrote “Everyone must do what is needed to develop the best for his or her life.”  The difference between Martha and Mary can be easily found out, if we draw our attention to the phrase what Jesus uttered. “There is need of only one thing.” In their context the only thing that needed was to sit at Jesus foot and listen to him. It reminds us to choose our priorities in our life.  We are religious crammed with lots of responsibilities and activities like studies, co-curricular activities, ministries and administration. Some time we give up our priorities as Martha in the gospel and Lalitha in the novel forgets to accomplish their priorities. Here Mary becomes a question mark before us. Let us deeply meditate on the questions; do we give importance to our prayer life? Do we spend time before our Eucharistic Lord, which is vital for our life?  Let me wind up by quoting St. Francis of Assisi   “Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

May God bless you all!
Jithin Kalan CMI