16th Sunday of Ordinary Time [C]

 


16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]


Sometimes you end up with what’s called a “package deal.”  You might get a laundry detergent and fabric softener, all in one. You might get a shampoo and a conditioner, all in one. Or you might buy a flashlight that comes with a set of batteries. We call that a “package deal.”  You come across various package deals when you are shopping. And it also happens within the context of the church. Upon stepping into a church, it’s customary to reach into the finger font so that you can cross yourself with holy water. In this way, your baptismal identity can be renewed. 


Remember this about the sacrament of baptism: it needs to be understood as a “package deal.”  You are baptized, not just into the person of Christ, but also into his path. It’s a path that includes the reality of suffering. It’s not limited to the reality of suffering; but it includes the reality of suffering. This explains the language found in Colossians chapter one. Paul states that there is something missing, if he’s living a care-free life. However, that “something missing” is no longer missing, as we are introduced to the reality of suffering (Col. 1:24). It’s about being united, not just with the person of Christ, but also with his path. 


Make room for the experience of suffering. Suffering represents a necessary part of the picture. It doesn’t complete the picture; rather, it’s one part of a much larger picture. This means be ready. Be ready for this aspect of the picture: suffering. And likewise be ready for another aspect: recognize the fact that blessings also represent a necessary part of the picture. Abraham and Sarah each have to endure a long period of suffering. It’s a source of sorrow for them that they are without a son. Nevertheless, we know that the sorrow will eventually give way to a new chapter—a chapter of joy. Soon, Sarah will conceive a son (Gen. 18:9-15). He will be given the name of Isaac, which means “laughter” (Gen 21:6). 


For Abraham and Sarah, the suffering gives way to joy. Meanwhile, we have to wonder about the case of Martha. It can be said that she is suffering—even if it ranks as a “mild dose” of suffering. Will the suffering give way to joy? Or will it lead her deeper into a world of bitterness? We don’t know. Luke cuts the story off with Jesus apparently taking Mary’s side, as opposed to Martha’s side (10:42). Martha is already frustrated. Will this push her over the edge? Or will she pause so that she can reflect? Will she pause so that the lesson can sink in? Perhaps her frustration will give way to an attitude of inward peace. 


All we can do is speculate. And as we do speculate, let’s consider the following question: how did Luke learn about this particular episode? He wasn’t there. The only ones present are Jesus, Martha, and Mary. Somebody evidently spoke to Luke at a later date. Was it Jesus? It seems unlikely, given that Jesus has already ascended into heaven by the time that Luke becomes a part of the church. We don’t hear about Luke until the missionary journeys of St. Paul are well underway (see 1st Tim. 4:11). Did Luke hear something from one of the sisters? Mary comes across as a woman of few words. We don’t have any lines attributed to her in the New Testament. It would be out of character for her, if she did come forward. Therefore, this leaves one other possibility: Martha. 


It might well have been Martha. Imagine her consternation. Her protest is a sincere protest. In her mind, it’s a justifiable protest. And yet, Jesus rules in favor of Mary. So now we can assume that Martha is completely “beside herself.”  But then she has the opportunity to calm down. Let’s suppose that she spends some time reflecting upon the event. Finally, years later, along comes this young man named Luke. He records information that favors Mary over Martha. Would Mary, the one who listens so intently to Jesus, exalt herself at the expense of her sister? If so, then she’s disregarding his message about the virtue of humility (see Matt. 23:12). Would Mary “go there?”  More plausibly, it’s Martha who ultimately “goes there.” After all, how does the church remember her? For us she has always been, and always will be…SAINT MARTHA. 

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