Magdeleine Hutín, the founder of the Community of Little Sisters of Jesus, once said: “If you only knew how the heart enlarges when it is received with love. But how it diminishes when it is received with reluctance.” Psychoanalysts know very well what it means for human development to “be accepted,” to suffer,” or “to be rejected.” The whole subsequent life of a person depends on it. Reception is one of the crucial moments of human life. A few days ago, we read Jesus’ statement: “The son of man has nowhere to lay his head,” yet in the Gospel, we find several stories about how people welcome him into their homes. They are Pharisees, scribes, tax collectors, sinners, or their disciples. But acceptance is not the same as acceptance. Today’s passage dwells on this difference in reception.
Some exegetes emphasize the two attitudes of the nation of Israel towards the coming Messiah. Israel is so enthusiastic about constant activity and fulfillment of the commandment that they lose the knowledge of the present moment and the ability to know the person of the Coming One. And the image of Israel, recognizing the visitation of the Lord, therefore stops any activity and rejoices in the presence of the Lord. On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus can stop and rest as a pilgrim. On his way, there is a house that accepts him. Martha receives him as a pilgrim whom the Law commands to receive and take care of him. Marta is also in it, who does not see the pilgrim but the Lord who speaks. It would be petty for her to miss this moment and not accept the words of life.
Church has always looked at this event from two angles: the position of action and the position of contemplation. They are two halves of the disciple’s and community’s lives. It is nice to serve Christ and your neighbor, but it must have a deeper motive than not to shame yourself or to be praised. We find that motive in listening to his words and staying in his presence. Even today, it is suitable for such a step of ours.
