Two realities of faithful: Listeners or distracted around
(Lk 10:38-42)
Bethany is an ideal community, coordinated by a woman [Martha: ‘lady’].
The loveable Face of the Lord shines through in the contexts of (only) brothers and sisters, where difficult choices can be shared.
But even in the hearts where Jesus is understood, there are two different ways of welcoming the Son of God.
Some lack something, «absorbed for great service» (v.40); others make the choice «good».
«Good part» (v.42) is personal Freedom, which no intimidation or haste of others can take away and oppress.
In fact, Mary «even» (v.39) was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening.
The position is significant, because it was that of the disciple towards the teacher.
Mary does not have an abstruse intimist attitude, but surprising and gravely transgressive [appropriate with God].
In fact, the guest was welcomed by men alone; the women had to be relegated to the side and not appear.
At the time, no spiritual guide would have accept a woman among his disciples.
But here the Gospel speaks of receiving Jesus and his Word: of that accepting that qualifies the things “at the bottom of the list”, rather than “at the top”.
«Martha was distracted around for the much ‘service’...» (v.40).
‘Serving’ is not the same as doing Communion. This overwhelms her, and she becomes herself «above» Jesus (v.40 Greek text).
She remains in anxiety, in upset; divided in the heart (v.41), attracted between opposing choices.
Caught up in the tension, she does not understand that every authentic relationship is born from Listening.
She does not grasp the essential: the ‘little important’ that makes us feel good is not to be neglected - rather, it’s the foundation of our being and of the joy of living.
Instead of the «many things» (v.41) we need «One only» (v.42): to be in one’s Centre and to host the Voice of dim character that becomes full Kingdom within.
By taking care first of the beginnings and not immediately of the terms, as overflowing with fullness poured out in simplicity; then each one has great capacities for growth and transformation.
Then comes a further, clinking Call to heart [«Martha, Martha...»: v.41].
Appeal of the profound being, who ceaselessly retrieve from the neglect of the essential.
Vocation in the Name allows us to stop; for meeting ourselves and others, our deep states and motivations; in order to understand and enjoy what has already been done or is being done, without dehumanizing ahead of time.
All this so that we can reappropriate the breath of the soul, of its character - and do not lose our minds, always setting a great confusion that takes our breath away, and makes everyone angry.
Even a better “performance” will come to surprise us, because a different Perception will transmit patience, firm nerves, lucidity to wait for ripe times; determination even in afflictions; possibility of rediscovering innate abilities.
Lord’s Message will communicate the Judgment of the Crucified One, and opportune rhythm.
His Teaching will give balance, good disposition, and faculty to overcome the oppositions of an ambiguous world that is agitated to perpetuate itself - and does not give up the grip.
The instinct of the Logos inside and the provident reality will build a binary of our own, even through losses and scars.
Indeed, when our busy minutes will become empty and the slow hours become enchanting, we will even improve tightness and efficiency.
Made wise and incisive according to our Seed, we will not accuse Jesus of having been [us] «left alone to serve» (v.40).
We won’t spin in vain anymore, and our gestures will become valuable: clear.
[16th Sunday in O.T. (year C), July 20, 2025]
