Lk 10: 38-42: Homily of Saint Augustine (Sermon 104, 1-2)
“When the Gospel has been read to us, we have heard that the Lord stayed in the home of a pious woman called Martha, and that while she was busy with the household chores, her sister Mary was seated at the feet of the Lord listening to his word. The former was working, the latter was taking a rest; the first was giving, the second was being filled. Then Martha, very tired because of her tasks, questioned the Lord by complaining about her sister who was not helping her. Instead of asking Mary to help her, the Lord, who has been sought to be the judge of Mary, made himself her advocate. He replied to her: Martha, you preoccupy yourself with many things, when only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. And that will not be taken away from her. (Lk. 10: 41-42) We have heard the question and sentence of the judge, a sentence that responds to the one who asks and defends the other. Mary was keeping an eye on the sweetness of the word of the Lord. Martha was preoccupied of how to nourish Him, while Mary was preoccupied of how to be nourished by Him. Martha was preparing a banquet for the Lord. Mary was already enjoying the banquet of the same Lord . . .
Then what? Are we to believe that he disapproved the ministry of Mary, who was busy with the exercise of hospitality, she who received the same Lord in her house? How could she be justly reprimanded, she who took pleasure in hosting this very remarkable guest? If it would be the case, let men cease helping the needy. Let them choose for themselves the better part, which will not be taken from them. Let them dedicate themselves to the Divine Word. Let them ardently aspire for the sweetness of faith. Let them consecrate themselves to that salvific knowledge; Let them not be preoccupied, if there is pilgrim in the village, if someone needs bread or clothing; Let them have nothing to do with visiting the sick, redeeming the captive, burying the dead; Let them rest from the works of mercy and let them focus on the only science. If this is the better part, why do we all not dedicate ourselves to this science, considering the fact that we have the Lord as our defender in this regard? Here there is no any fear of offending his justice, since his words support us.
Trans. by Fr. Romeo Potencio