Today, as every day, we can learn from the Gospel. Jesus, invited to Martha's home in Bethany, gives us a lesson of humanity: He, who loved people, lets people love him, for both things are equally important. It would be a serious mistake, with harmful consequences for sanctity, to refuse God's and others' affection.
Martha or Mary? But..., why opposing those who loved each other so much and loved God too? Jesus loved Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus, and He loves each one of us, too.
On the path of sainthood not any two souls are exactly alike. We all try to love God, but within our own style and personality, without imitating anyone. Our models are Christ and the Mother of God. Do you resent how others treat God? Try to learn from his personal piety.
«Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving? Ask her therefore to help me» (Lk 10:40). To serve others, for the love of God, is an honor, not a burden. Do we serve with joy, as the Mother of God did with her cousin Elisabeth or at Cana's wedding, or as Jesus did when washing the Apostle's feet at the Last Supper?
«Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed» (Lk 10:41-42). Let us lose neither our peace nor our good humor. And to accomplish it, let us take good care of God's presence. «Know it well: There is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ordinary situations; and it is up to each person to discover it (…); either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find him» (St. Josemaria).
«Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her» (Lk 10:42). God wants us happy. That our Mother in Heaven helps us to feel the joy of giving.