Hospitality appears at first to be the lesson in both the story of Abraham and his guests (Gen 18:1-10) and the story of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).

Saints Martha, Mary, Lazarus and Jesus bronze statues unveiled. By From Community Reports Sep 2, 2012. Msgr. Borski, Retired Bishop Rizzotto & Mike Kaney with statue of Jesus and Mary.

We need to be both Mary and Martha. This is an excerpt from “Come Forth: the Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle, a new book on the Raising of Lazarus,” by James Martin, S.J., now available ...

While Martha was solo in the kitchen brewing up a stew of virtuous resentment, her sister Mary had become so entranced by Jesus’ presence and teachings that she broke rank. No setting the table ...

The story of Mary and Martha reminds us that we must sit and listen at the feet of Jesus before we go and do. Only then can we have the renewed strength, courage and wisdom for that journey.

When Lazarus died and Jesus arrived on the scene, both Mary and Martha were understand upset. They both told Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32).

After all, Martha accuses Jesus of failing to live up to justice by allowing Mary to sit at his feet and then orders Our Lord to tell Mary to help. This is not how one interacts with the divine ...

Jesus is not the hero the sisters so desperately wish for. He does not save the day. He does not even arrive on the day! Mary and Martha are not spared the suffering of their brother’s death. They ...

But Jesus didn’t see things the same way. When Martha complains, Jesus gently corrects her. “Martha, Martha. You are upset and worried. You’re distracted by so many things. One thing is needful.

The Rev. Michael Heath, of Fayetteville, is a licensed mental health counselor and a United Church of Christ minister. Holiday gatherings can be difficult. The biblical story of Mary and Martha ...