How can we reread the story of Martha and Mary (Lk. 10:38-42) from the perspective of apostolic mysticism? This episode, recounted only by Luke, has been interpreted in different ways, which often place the two sisters in opposition to each other: Martha as an example of the active life, and Mary of the contemplative life. But the question seems to be more radical.
Urged on by the theme of your Seminar, I would like to examine together with you this well-known and very intriguing Gospel story so as to listen to what it has to tell us. What is the critical point of the story? What tensions are revealed? What are its dynamics on the level of relationships? What sort of welcome and diakonia (service) come into play? What does the “better part” chosen by Mary consist of? And what kind of challenge does Jesus offer Martha (and us)?
