We tend to characterise them like this: Mary is the wise, spiritual one, sitting at Jesus' feet and drinking in his teaching. Martha the practical busybody, impatient with her sister, all too aware that if it wasn't for her, domestic chaos would ensue.
But it's not quite as simple as that. As I read the passage closely today, I find that it is Martha who invited Jesus to her house. So it was Martha who recognised Jesus as someone they had to listen to. It was Martha who was ensuring that Jesus' needs were met - in common with those other women we encountered a while back, who were quietly making his ministry possible.
Is there a clue in what Jesus said about Mary's motivation? "Mary has discovered it." Discovered what? The one thing that matters. The kingdom of God, the person of Jesus. Maybe Mary hadn't been interested in Jesus before, but now she has finally met him, she has become a convert.
Maybe Jesus is actually sharing a little secret with Martha: Well Martha, at long last Mary has found what you and I have known for a long time, that my message is really important. Let's not interrupt her now she's listening at last. Be patient with her. You know I'm here for the latecomers, as well as the early adopters.
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