The readings call us to get to work--the work of growing closer to God. That is what gives meaning to everything in life, when we see it as an opportunity to be present to God and glorify Him.
Part of this is having an attentiveness to our circumstances that makes us aware of God's presence in them. This kind of awareness is what makes Abraham act immediately when three visitors arrive. Aware of their Divine nature, he offers Them gracious hospitality.
Martha keeps busy in waiting upon the Lord Jesus when He comes as a guest, but loses sight of how meaningful it is to be in His presence because she's so busy in the act of waiting on Him. When she openly expresses her frustration with her sister, who should have been helping her, Jesus draws her attention to what is most important--that which Mary keeps aware of as she remains at His feet, being present to Him and the gracious words He offers. (The commentary in the lector workbook I use notes that in that society it was not a woman's place to be at the feet of a rabbi, and a woman was expected to be serving in the kitchen. Truly Jesus is bringing about a new social order.)
Father Hurlbert put it well in his homily at Mass, saying that any work we do for God should keep us busy like Martha, but we should come out of it like Mary, with a greater awareness of God's presence. In so entering His presence, we are more aware of the Mystery that God has drawn us into, that we, made righteousness, may abide in His presence.
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