Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, the story of Martha and Mary, and his teachings on prayer are often presented as opposing forces. However, a closer look reveals that these stories are part of a larger narrative that presents a balanced approach to faith.
While Martha’s actions demonstrate active service, Jesus praises Mary for choosing the better part – listening to him. Yet, in subsequent passages, he emphasizes the importance of persistence and perseverance in prayer. This dichotomy suggests that there is no single way to experience God, but rather a both/and approach that incorporates devotion and action.
This balanced perspective is reflected in the pillars of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chesed. Torah represents sacred scripture and our obligations as followers; Avodah encompasses prayer, worship, and service to God; and Gemilut Chesed means bestowing kindness through selfless acts towards others. Living these three pillars harmoniously recognizes that we are not alone in our faith journey but are called to serve and love others.
The story of the Missionaries of Charity, particularly their devotion to Jesus and prayerful presence, illustrates this balanced approach. Their witness speaks of a profound peace and trust radiating from their faces as they worked tirelessly to serve others. This serenity was not solely a result of their devotion but also arose from their connection with God.
As we navigate our own faith journeys, embracing the both/and of Martha and Mary can help us build our lives on the foundation of Jesus’ word. We begin each Mass by sitting at the feet of Jesus like Mary, listening to his word, and then enter into the saving work of salvation through the Eucharist. By acknowledging this balance, we draw closer to our baptismal identity as one with Jesus Christ.
In this journey, may we find a harmonious blend of devotion and action, reflecting the pillars of faith that guide us towards a deeper connection with God and our neighbors.
Source: https://wherepeteris.com/three-pillars-and-two-sisters-living-a-balanced-faith