Martha or Mary? - Who Should You Be?

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the story of Martha and Mary. He addresses the common misconception that only one of these women of the Bible was doing God's will. Father Mike Schmitz discusses the story of Martha and Mary. He addresses the common misconception that only one of these women of the Bible was doing God's will. Neither Martha nor Mary were doing anything wrong when Jesus came to visit the home of Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was doing a very good thing as she made preparations during Jesus’ visit, but her sister Mary chose the better part because she chose the thing that we’re going to do for eternity in heaven, just spend time with Jesus. Father Mike uses the life of Blessed Mother Teresa as an example of someone who both served Jesus in the poor and adored him in the Blessed Sacrament everyday, essentially doing the part of both Martha and Mary. He goes on to discuss how there is a time to serve God and a time to just be with him.

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[noreenalbright]

I was a martha and always focused and distracted by earthly things, while I did pray, I didn't focus on him. Now I have learned to be Mary and I do believe that is the better place to be. While I did many things I felt "rushed" like Martha and so I'm happy to say I'm able to pray and not be rushed and sit with Jesus and pray and most importantly LISTEN. In listening and reading the word, I prioritize my life in accordance with His plan, not mine. I can be both and I have been both but I agree with Jesus, Mary is where it's at. I've shifted gears thanks to listening more and making more decisions with God.

[amazingcommenter]

I have been struggling with this passage for so long. Thank you for explaining it the way you did Fr. So what Jesus meant is, Mary is doing the better (also better because it's easier). I struggle through my day between serving and one to one time with God. I would rather do the latter, but the cooking and cleaning also NEEDS to get done. I try to offer it up to God (when I remember or struggle the worst), every small things as self reminder. Doing the harder part can also mean more humility.

[SilverDustCD]

I am Martha incarnate. It is good to be of service to others but balance is necessary. Nothing is as it seems....just love yourself and others.

[NikkiP]

I have definitely related to Martha's behavior but when first reading the story, I realized that I wanted to be more like Mary. During parties, I tend to be doing busy work. I now know it is my way of hiding. What a great inspiration is Mary's desire to be with her very special guest. ❤

[cindyhailey]

Love this. So true. To those who think 'being a Mary is best', I think it's a matter of attitude. What's our motivation of heart? That's the part Jesus sees.

[brisprojects]

Thank you so much. I really needed to hear this today. Service is such a big part of my life, I get so exhausted of not feeling like I’m enough when I am doing so much. And when I think of the Martha and Mary story I always feel confused because of the exact reasons you listed. I went on a walk tonight to think and said a prayer to ask for help with this issue. Your video was the first and only one I needed to watch. Thank you for such a genuine video and for sharing your peaceful knowledge. The story makes so much more sense to me, and brings me peace to know I wasn’t so far off the mark after all. Time to just keep on keeping on and don’t forget my daily “visit” to commune with God.

[AMinuteWithaMonk]

Thanks a lot for theses videos, Father Mike! Be blessed in your work and mission, you are an inspiration to us and to me! Fr. Luc, in Austria.

[carolannnoble]

Thank you sooo much! For telling us that Martha was doing the “good” thing. Hospitality was very important in the Jewish culture, a gift to your guests. Later Martha was the sister to declare Jesus as Messiah. Thank you for setting the record straight.

[angelafernandes]

Thank you dear Father for your beautiful reflection on Martha and Mary. May God strengthen you as you work in His Vineyard

[marthadarling]

Thank you, Fr. Mike, for defending Martha. People focus on the story in Luke 10:38-42. They forget John 11:1-44, the raising of Lazarus, and Martha's confession of faith. Notice the beginning of John 11:5--"Jesus loved Martha." How many people in Scripture had it mentioned BY NAME that Jesus loves them? You can see by my name that I take this personally. I've been "Martha, Martha-ed" all my life, and it gets old after a while.

[crushedit]

I feel like the whole Mary and Martha thing also demonstrates God’s stance on equality in the church. Martha was doing what was expected of a woman in her time (nothing wrong with that). But Mary, learning at the feet of Jesus, was doing what many women didn’t do: learning over performing “woman’s work”, and Jesus said that Mary made the better choice. I may be wrong but I think it’s a nice way to think about it.

[dorislove]

Fr. Mike thanks thanks thanks again for this video i am very happy to hear this I have novena to our blessed ST Martha

[timmcvicker]

I think that Jesus was explaining that coming to him is the most important thing a person can do ... finding and having faith. Martha was undoubtedly a very good and caring person but she was preoccupied with doing works to please Jesus. Works have their place but it is by far more important to have a true love for, and faith in, Christ.

[marknguyen]

Father,
Your videos are seriously awesome, I've watched a lot of them now, and it helps. Just wanted to drop by and say that!!! #BlessedByGodForever

[daisygar]

awesome! love it!! very true… kind'a like oil and vinegar, totally different but together they are powerful to the church!! after all, who doesn't like salad dressing?? put a little salt on top (we are the salt of the earth) You got great combination! TY for your great short messages.. May the Lord continue to bless you!! :)

[endergamer]

I’ve always felt like Mary, to be able to take a small moment to sit at a strangers side/feet and listen to them. Maybe it’s the storyteller/creative writing whiz in me, but the idea of listening to a person’s point of view. To me the stained glass window of Mary sitting next to Jesus was a more recognizable thing to me. I’ve always wanted to be an anthropologist, because of the simple idea of Mary sitting with Jesus and just listening. I’m not religious by any means, though I’ve been to church in my life and yet I’m always drawn back to that stained glass window. That portrait in time of Mary and Jesus sitting together is something I relate to.

[pattiraithel]

This makes it all so clear .  Thank you Father!

[RosarySoldier]

Praise to God for that explanation, Father Mike

[Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Thank you so much for defending Martha I realy appreciate it very much...so much love you you all.💚💙💜

[momayard]

Excellent Sir. Thank you and may God continue to bless you.