Martha and Mary: A Deeper Vision of Discipleship

Introduction

Last September, my dad passed into eternal life. As I stood before family and friends to honor his legacy, I shared his story. The son of immigrants, he grew up in extreme poverty - sleeping in a chicken coop and going to bed hungry. He often asked for scraps of stale bread or skipped school to go fishing, just to have something to eat.

At an early age, I learned from both my parents that meals are a joy in life. They welcomed everyone into our home with warmth and abundance. Something delicious was always simmering on the stove or roasting in the oven, and no one ever left hungry. I learned that hospitality is more than preparing a meal. It’s an act of love.

Welcoming the stranger, breaking bread and finding a place for everyone at the table—this is the way Jesus taught us to live. And, this is why I’ve always struggled with the story of Martha and Mary in Luke’s Gospel.

‍

Jesus Encounters Martha and Mary

In this brief but powerful encounter, Jesus visits the home of his dear friends with a group of disciples. Luke says Martha is “burdened with much serving,” while Mary “sits at Jesus’ feet listening to him speak.” When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help, He responds, "Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her."

Many interpret this Gospel story as Jesus favoring prayer over service. It also seems to set the sisters against one another, and force us to make a choice. Was Mary right and Martha wrong? Should I choose a life of contemplation over a life of action?

Yet, just before this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples (Luke 10:1) to go on a mission and seek hospitality from those who will welcome them. Now, Jesus himself enters a village, and Martha welcomes him and his followers into her home. Her actions are a sign of her discipleship and leadership in the community.

This is why I invite you to move beyond an “either/or” view of Martha and Mary and read this story through the lens of “both/and.”  This “both/and” perspective not only gives Scripture a richer meaning, but affirms women’s important roles in leadership and ministry.

Throughout His public life, Jesus defied cultural and social norms by including women in His universal call to discipleship with love and respect. According to Scripture, women were among Jesus’ closest followers, students and travel companions in a society where they were deemed property and prohibited from public worship.

Biblical texts, like the story of Martha and Mary, show Jesus practicing radical inclusivity. The women of the Gospels supported Jesus’ ministry, stood at the cross, found the empty tomb and were first to proclaim His resurrection.

Although Scripture describes Martha as distracted, this translation misses a deeper, more complex meaning. In Jewish culture, hospitality was considered a sacred act of love and service, not just a household task. Many people interpret Martha as simply cooking or cleaning, but Luke actually uses the Greek word diakonia, which refers to a ministry of service. Later, in Acts of the Apostles, Luke uses this term to describe leadership in the early Church. Some biblical scholars even suggest Martha may have led an early house church.

Isn’t it incredible that in a society where women were nearly invisible, the Gospels are filled with stories about Jesus’ encounters with them? This means something extraordinary and unusual occurred. Jesus challenged the religious and political powers of the time, and repeatedly affirmed the value and dignity of women.

Within this context, Jesus’ response to Martha is not a criticism of her work, but a call to deeper discipleship. He knows her worries and her mission, and reminds Martha that she already has the one thing she needs—God’s immeasurable love. Jesus does not dismiss Martha’s ministry, but sees her heart and invites her to dwell in the truth of God’s love for her.

Meanwhile, Mary performs a radical act for a woman at the time. She takes a place at Jesus’ feet in a space traditionally reserved for men. In this posture, she assumes the role of a disciple learning from a rabbi. Luke shows that Mary embodies the Greek word kerygma, meaning proclamation or preaching. By affirming her place at his feet, Jesus not only rejects tradition, but defends Mary’s right to learn and engage in ministry.

Martha and Mary are not rivals. They are reflections of the fullness of discipleship—service and contemplation, action and proclamation. They, along with other women of the Gospels, minister with Jesus and to Jesus. Their relationship reflects the very nature of our triune God, who invites us to equality, mutuality, unity and reciprocity.

‍

Our Call to Action

Finally, let us remember that leadership by women in the life and structure of the Church is rooted in our baptismal identity. St. Paul writes in Galatians 3:28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ."

Early Christians welcomed those without social power, including slaves and women, as equals and co-workers in Christ. In God, there is no hierarchy, patriarchy or division—only unity in love.

After praying, worshiping and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, at the end of mass we are sent forth to share the good news. We are called to be living sacraments, embodying Christ’s presence in the world.

This week, I invite us to reflect on these questions:

-How does Martha and Mary’s story challenge the way you view the role of women in the Church today?

-In what ways can you embody inclusivity, like Jesus did, to welcome and affirm someone who is overlooked or marginalized?

-How can you help create a faith community where everyone’s unique gifts and voices are honored and valued?