Luke 10:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It would be shameful for us if, while those seeking earthly knowledge and accumulating written wisdom select the finest instructors as mentors, we who are motivated to heed teachings of such profound worth and have Christ, the Source of all knowledge, as our guide, do not emulate the example of that devoted learner, even Mary, who sat at the feet of the Saviour and filled her heart with the truths He imparted, realizing she could never have enough of what was so beneficial. While the Saviour associated with holy women, it is said that Mary listened to Him teach, whereas her sister Martha was preoccupied with many tasks.

Do not scorn or label as idle those who seek after wisdom; for it was decreed by Solomon, the great peacemaker, that such seekers should be welcomed into his abode (see 1 Chron. 22:9; Prov. 8:2; Prov. 9:10).

Martha is not criticized for her faithful service; rather, Mary is acknowledged for her choice of the better part. Jesus bestows many blessings abundantly and generously; hence, Mary’s choice is deemed wiser for selecting the most essential. The apostles deemed it inappropriate to leave the ministry of the Word to serve tables, yet both duties are gifts of wisdom, and Stephen, chosen for table service, was filled with wisdom (see Acts 6:2-5). The minister should respect the teacher, and the teacher should uplift and strengthen the minister, for the body of the Church is unified, despite having diverse members—each one relying on the other. The eye cannot claim to have no need of the hand, nor can the head dismiss the feet (1 Cor. 12:21), and the ear cannot repudiate its place in the body; while some members may hold prominence, all are essential. Wisdom resides in the head, and action is found in the hands; the eyes of the wise are within their head (Eccl. 2:14), as true wisdom is embodied by the one whose spirit is anchored in Christ and whose inward gaze is uplifted towards higher realms. Thus, the wise man sees with clarity from his head, while the foolish man's attentions wander along his feet.

In her dedication to pious duties and administration, Martha, feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities, pleaded with the Lord for her sister’s assistance, saying, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me" (Luke 10:40). Although her request was for a commendable task, the Lord’s response was revealing: “Martha! Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but only a few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Thus, the Lord emphasizes that the ultimate good lies in a singular divine contemplation.

While we may regard other virtues as useful and important, we must recognize them as secondary in nature because they serve the ultimate goal of contemplation. The Lord’s statement, “You are worried and troubled about many things, but you need few, or indeed only one,” highlights that the highest good is not found in diligent, albeit fruitful, activity, but in the simple, singular contemplation of God. This is clearly defined as the pathway leading to true bliss—contemplation of a few sacred realities, ultimately arriving at the singular vision of God Himself, aided by Him. Thus, having excelled in the extraordinary works and services of the saints, one can fully experience the knowledge and glory of God alone.

Hence, Mary’s choice of the good part is notable because the Lord’s commendation of her suggests a ranking that places her above Martha. While He did not openly criticize Martha, declaring, "Which shall not be taken from her," implies that Martha’s portion could indeed be lost. The ministry of the body may not endure, but the spiritual ministry chosen by Mary is everlasting. The primary focus of our efforts should be to engage in the contemplation of divine matters, as illustrated by the narrative of Mary and Martha.

In such devotion, the individual humbly positions themselves at the feet of the Savior, heeding only His words, recognizing their identity as a creation of God, reliant upon Him (Ps. 99:3), understanding themselves as a steward and servant of God (John 15:1), and fully surrendering to the will and guidance of the Savior. It is clear that this state of the soul is cultivated through a sustained practice of bodily effort. Mary, therefore, would not have been able to sit at the feet of the Lord and focus entirely on His teachings had Martha not taken responsibility for the hospitality.

This comparison suggests that Simon the leper, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were closely related, indicating that in Bethany, where Christ dined on two occasions, Martha served as the hostess while Simon was the host. The precise nature of the relationship between Simon and Martha remains unclear, though tradition holds that Simon might have been Lazarus's father. It is also uncertain whether Lazarus was part of Simon's household or had his own residence in Bethany, a question that applies to Mary as well. Both sisters firmly believe in Jesus as the awaited Messiah, each expressing her respect, love, and devotion to Him in her own unique way: Martha seeks to honor the Lord through her active preparation of the meal, while Mary focuses intently on His teaching. Observing the time it would take her to prepare the meal alone, Martha wishes for her sister’s assistance. Yet, she recognizes that Mary is reluctant to leave Jesus’s side without His consent. Hence, Martha directs her gentle rebuke not to Mary, but to the Lord Himself. In reply, the Lord addresses her with warmth and mild regret, saying: ‘Martha! Martha, you care and fuss about many things (to express your love and respect for me). And one thing only is needed (for this): it is the good part that Mary has chosen.’