Mary and Martha 		July 28
of Bethany
Martha and Mary were sisters living at Bethany near Jerusalem, according to John (11:1). In the episode following the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s Gospel (10:38-42), they appear perhaps as representatives of another oppressed group in society - women. Jesus’ acceptance of their hospitality is taken for granted; but whereas Martha is the totally committed hostess, it is more important to be, like Mary, a committed disciple (learner). The rabbis tended to think the Torah was for men (like the lawyer who in Luke has just affirmed the law of love for God and neighbour). Jesus overturns that: “Mary has chosen the better part” by sitting at the Lord’s feet. Women are more than ancillary helpers (Luke 8:3); their discipleship shall not be taken away.
While Mary is plainly to be distinguished from the sinful woman who anoints Jesus in Luke 7:36-50, according to the Fourth Gospel she is the woman who anointed Jesus at Bethany before his passion (John 12:1-8; cf Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). Also in the Fourth Gospel, the sisters feature in the extended narrative of the death and raising to life of their brother Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Again Martha is the more impulsive, rushing out to meet Jesus on his arrival, while Mary sits at home. When Mary does go out to Jesus, she falls at his feet. Martha expresses a conventional belief. On hearing Jesus’ definitive promise that he is the resurrection and the life, she professes her belief in this, but her actual statement of faith shows that she thinks of Jesus rather as the expected messiah, the coming prophet. When Jesus reaches the tomb, Martha protests that there will be a stench. She appears to be still hoping just for her brother’s resurrection on the last day. We are not told the reaction of Mary or Martha to the raising of Lazarus. After the account of the supper at Bethany, at which Mary anoints Jesus beforehand for his burial (John 12:1-8), there is no further reference to the two women in the gospel story.
Medieval tradition not only identified Mary with Mary Magdalene, but developed a legend of the evangelisation of Provence by Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
For Liturgical Use
Mary and Martha were sisters living at Bethany near Jerusalem. Jesus readily accepted the hospitality of these women. Whereas Martha is the totally committed hostess, it is more important to be, like Mary, a committed learner. Mary was also the woman who anointed Jesus before his passion, according to John. In the story of the death and raising to life of Lazarus, Martha learns that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Sentence
You heard the voice of my plea, O God, when I called to you for help.	Psalm 31:22
Collects
Gracious and merciful God,
Jesus was welcomed by Martha and Mary into their home
and found there refreshment and rest;
give us the will to love you,
open our hearts to hear you,
and teach us to serve you in others,
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Jesus our friend, friend of Martha and Mary,
who welcomed you into their home and gave you their love;
give us grace to be loved,
and grace to respond to the love we receive.
Psalms	36:5-10	45
Readings
Isaiah 26:16-19		New life for the dead
Romans 12:9-13		Let love be genuine
Luke 10:38-42		The home of Martha and Mary
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”		John 11:25