Feast of St. Martha

In the New Testament town Bethany, there was a family of two sisters and a younger brother. Jesus visited them whenever he passed through Bethany in his preaching ministry. The younger sister was a sinful woman. She anointed Jesus when Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus for dinner. This story has two different versions, one in Mark 14/Matthew 26 and another in Luke 7. Later, she was identified as Mary in John 11. Therefore, all four canonic gospels mention this family.
And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her (Mark 14:9).
John 11 tells us the story of Jesus' raising Lazarus, the younger brother. It must have been a very ground-shaking event in the early church. So, what about the elder sister, Martha? The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day today.
In the gospel reading Luke 10:38-42 today, we learn that Jesus was staying in their home on his preaching journey. This seems to be his first visit. Martha, who was the eldest and naturally was in charge of the household, was busy extending her hospitality while Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to his teaching. Naturally enough, she complained to Jesus.
But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." (Luke 10:40)
Jesus then took this opportunity to affirm the importance of contemplative life.
But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
Therefore, it is again a matter of choice. Martha chose to wait on Jesus. Mary chose to listen to Jesus' teaching. Jesus spoke skillfully. He did not approve Mary's spirituality at the expense of Martha's service. There is enough room to conclude that Jesus affirm both choices: actions and contemplation. Well then, why did Mary choose to listen to Jesus instead of preparing him a good meal? Now, we come back to the question of choice-making which I reflected on the Sunday reading. For the sake of theoretical discussion, economists make an assumption that man is a rational animal. His market behaviour is based on a cost-benefit analysis. His action is such that it will maximize the benefits and/or minimize the costs. Obviously, Mary's choice was not made after any cost-benefit analysis. She did it out of her love of Jesus. This was demonstrated by her anointing Jesus in an earlier chapter.
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little (Luke 7:47).
Therefore, when we make choices, we do it partly with reason and partly with emotion.

I was brought up in Choi Hung, living with my parents. Before I got married, my mother bought a flat in Amoy Garden, Ngau Tau Kok near Choi Hung. It would have saved a lot of expenditure, food as well as babies rearing. But I had never lived there and moved to Tuen Mun the day I got married. Why did I make such a choice? Rational or emotional. I think it was half and half. Economically, the price of flats was cheaper in the New Territories than in the urban area. However, you can immediately point out that the cost (time and money included) can be higher. So, rationally, Tuen Mun was not a good choice. But emotionally, I wanted to lead an independent life, a life away from my domineering mother! I was even prepared to uproot myself from the parish I had grown up, like Abraham. (Of course, that was another long story, concerning an administrative style parish priest.) So now, I have spent more than a quarter of a century in Tuen Mun, deeply rooted. Will I make yet another move? If God so wishes.

My dear Advocate, pray that I choose the good portion and please You. St. Martha, pray for me that I serve Jesus and my students compassionately like you. Amen.