NOTES for Luk 10:38-42

Martha's irritation is understandable. It often happens that one person has to work long and hard, while, as it looks to us, another does nothing. Then we begin to grumble and even demand that the other person do at least a little work too.

The Lord answers this indignation with unexpected severity, as if devaluing our earthly cares, saying: "You are worried about many things, but only one thing is needed." This sounds like a call to abandon everyday tasks, although another meaning can also be seen here. Does Jesus not wish to reproach Martha for having her own path and bearing her own cross, yet beginning to interfere in the life of her sister, who has chosen another calling?

Reflecting on this, it is fitting to remember the words from the last chapter of the Gospel according to John, where Christ says to Peter, who is concerned about the question of the martyrdom of Jesus' beloved disciple: "What is that to you? You follow Me."