The Bible stories we have been reading during our prayer meetings had me reflecting about Jesus and His relationship with women. One is about the Samaritan woman, a gentile, whose faith led to the healing of her sick daughter. The second is the duality of faith seen in Martha and Mary’s actions. On the surface, the values of obedience and unquestionable belief emerge prominently in both stories.
The Samaritan woman’s unwavering belief, even when faced with initial rejection, ultimately led to her daughter's healing, emphasizing that faith transcends boundaries of culture and ethnicity. In many ways, it made me look at the mission and service we do in the community. How inclusive are we in planning and rendering our programs, activities and projects given the resources at hand? Does my faith transcend borders and barriers allowing me to be kind and empathic? How does service deepen my awareness of God’s presence in my life?
The answers to my questions eventually brought me to Martha and Mary.
In the story of Martha and Mary, we see two contrasting expressions of devotion. Martha, focused on service and hospitality, embodies the value of active faith, while Mary, sitting at Jesus' feet, represents contemplative faith and deep spiritual connection. Jesus' response to the sisters underscores the importance of balance in our spiritual lives—serving others and the world around us while also nurturing our inner relationship with God. The narratives of these two women invite us to consider how we can integrate both aspects of faith into our daily lives.
It should not be a choice between Martha and Mary. Rather, it is a well choreographed dance or a song being sung in perfect rhyme and reason. The fruits of prayer and reflection informs action. Faith in action fuels prayer life - thus, the Ignatian teaching or charism on being contemplatives in action come into play. God is present in silence when we pray, as well as in service and in palpable acts of devotion.
What is equally meaningful for me is that, reflecting on these stories, I’m reminded of the profound respect and dignity Jesus consistently showed toward women. He not only engaged with them but also honored their faith, often elevating their actions as examples for all believers. Such stories challenge me to reconsider my own faith journeys, encouraging me to pursue a faith that is both active and contemplative, rooted in love, and unafraid to challenge societal expectations in the pursuit of deeper spiritual truth.
So help me, dear God.
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