Dear sisters and brothers,
The two prominent characters in today’s Gospel passage are Martha and Mary. Throughout the
centuries, these two characters symbolize the two ways of serving in Church, which are more
commonly known as “ora et labora” (to pray and to work). Martha, who is busy with many
things, stands for the active life, whereas Mary, who is peacefully sitting at the feet of the Lord
and listening to Him, represents contemplative life in the Church. Which character or way of life
do you think brings one closer to Jesus?