Are we more like Mary, or Martha? Today’s reflection challenges us to recognize that we are called to reflect both in our lives, grounding our commitment to justice and equality in prayer and contemplation.

July 20, 2025: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Genesis 18:1–10a
Psalm 15:2–5
Colossians 1:24–28
Luke 10:38–42

Reconciling Mary and Martha – Both/And, Not Either/Or

A reflection by delfín bautista

Today’s readings can be collectively summed up through the verse proclaimed with the Alleluia: “Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance” (cf. Luke 8:15). As people of faith, our experience of the Spirit is reflected through both engaged listening AND embodied, active solidarity. We are called to be both Mary and Martha, not either Mary or Martha.  

Growing up, the message I received was that Mary was better than Martha. It was not that Martha was perceived to be doing anything wrong, but the preferred model of faith to follow was Mary’s sitting at Jesus’ feet, which was often interpreted as prayer—especially eucharistic adoration. However, I realize more and more that our invitation and challenge is reconcile both of these women’s witnesses, not pit them against each other.

Many of us are fixers and doers; like Abraham, when presented with a situation, we focus on what needs to get done and will often jump into action without taking a moment to breathe and reflect. (Not to undermine Abraham’s ministry of hospitality, but did he ever consider that these visitors may have been vegan or gluten-free? How much more powerful would it have been if he would have taken a second to ask them what they needed instead of making assumptions in well-meaning kindness? This, however, this is a reflection for another time). For myself, embracing Marthaness comes naturally, and in many ways is easier. However, I don’t think Jesus meant to belittle or undermine her as I often thought when I was younger. I realize now that Jesus’ sacred and sassy nudge was reminding not just Martha but all of us that living in the presence of God is active—prayer and listening being just as active as serving food. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, centuries later, would reflect this in the Jesuit’s charism of contemplation in action, and though she never participated in mission work, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is honored as one of the patron saints of missions because of her ongoing prayer for missionaries.

Mary’s testimony is not just about listening; there is also a call to wholistic self-care for ourselves and each other. In re-reflecting on the gospel, I see Mary’s actions as reminders of the importance of self-care in justice work. We need to ensure that we are feeding our spirits so that we can continue to live into our faith and live out feeding others. Contemplation, reflection, meditation, and prayer are all active. They are immersive experiences that replenish and refresh us, allow us to vent and rant our feelings, remind us that we are not alone, and provide new insights—and sometimes reminders to get back to basics.

Martha and Mary are not in competition with each other; it is not an either/or. Our faith and commitment to being church needs both types of witness, being mindful that prayer and service take on many different forms, and that there is no one way or right way or better way. We are called to be both/and in our active and grounded faith.

How are our actions and commitment to justice grounded in and on our own prayerful experiences? How are our prayers sparking rippling justice?

mx. delfin w. bautista, MSW, MDiv. (they/elle/delfin) is a native of Miami, FL, is of Cuban and Salvadoran heritage, and currently serves as the Director for the Lionel Cantu Queer Resource Center at UC-Santa Cruz. A social worker and activist theologian, delfin is passionate about intersectional justice and resilience, especially around the experiences of queer people of color. delfin currently serves on the board of directors for enfleshed.

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