In Luke 10: 38-42, we come to the story of Martha and Mary, and while we are looking at each figure, we must not forget about the word, "and."

Luke is fond of paralleling the roles of women and men. In his infancy narrative, he reported what Simeon did (2: 25-35) and immediately added the story about Anna (2: 36-38). Both had something to declare about the importance of the child Jesus.

In listing those who followed Jesus as he went about "preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God," we learn that "The Twelve accompanied him" (8: 1). And immediately after that, we are told that "some women" were also in his company.

That is important to remember as we look at Sunday's episode, as is a single word that closes each portion of last week's passage - "do." The scholar was told to "do" the law he had quoted (10: 28), and to "do likewise" what the Samaritan had done (10: 38).

Jesus is continuing his journey to Jerusalem where he will "do" the will of God. As he journeys he instructs his followers how to be true followers, or disciples. They listen to his words and observe his deeds, for both will be the message they must later proclaim to the world.

He enters a house, where he is welcomed by Martha as surely as the victim who fell among robbers was welcomed in an inn (10:34). And an elaborate welcome is given, one that burdened Martha in its preparation.

As for Mary, she is content merely to sit at his feet listening. Martha is busy about "many things" and Mary about only "one thing." But that "one thing" is termed the "better" thing by Jesus.

As we read this story, we usually compare Martha with Mary, and see Jesus simply as a guest in their home. In reality, Jesus is the host! As for comparisons, we must look at what happens before and after the story is told.

Before this episode, a Samaritan is presented as a model of hospitality, one who does what is merciful. There were many things that he performed for the man whom others ignored. If there is any comparison to be made, it is between the Samaritan and Martha. Both "do" loving and caring deeds.

After this episode, in next Sunday's passage (11: 1-13), we shall see the disciples asking Jesus for words of prayer.

They listen as Jesus prays, content to hear the words that nourish them. If there is any comparison to be made, it is between Mary and the "listening" disciples.

It is not simply Martha and Mary who appear together in this story. The central figure is always that of Jesus. What appears in this story is his word to which we must listen, and the doing of the word Christ had taught.

Jesus taught us to "be merciful" as the "Father is merciful" (6: 36). The Samaritan and Martha illustrate how those words are to be done, whereas the disciples and Mary become models of that listening required before the word can be put into action.

Martha and Mary. Doing and listening. Both are required if we are to be true disciples of the one who was "mighty in deed and word before God and all the people" (24: 19). o

Msgr. Joseph Mancuso is pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gladstone.

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