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Ordinary Time · Year C

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 23, 2028

Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Johannes Vermeer
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Johannes Vermeer, c. 1654–1656National Galleries of Scotland (via Google Arts & Culture)
Vermeer's largest painting and almost certainly his earliest, from before he turned to the quiet interiors he is known for. Christ's hand is open towards Mary while he is speaking to Martha.The scene is an argument between two sisters about what matters, and the gesture is Vermeer deciding which way it goes.Johannes VermeerA Delft painter who left about thirty-five pictures, worked slowly, died in debt, and was forgotten for two centuries.National Galleries of Scotland (via Google Arts & Culture)Scotland's national collection, sitting at the foot of the Mound between the Old Town and the New.National Galleries of Scotland (via Google Arts & Culture)
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 10:38-42Lk 10:38-42
Second ReadingCol. 1:24-28Col 1:24-28
First ReadingGen. 18:1-10aGn 18:1-10a
Responsorial PsalmPs. 15:2-3a, 3b-4b, 4b-5 (1a)Ps 15:2-3a, 3b-4b, 4b-5 (1a)

Overview & Insights

"Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)

Jesus visits the home of Martha, who is distracted by many tasks of hospitality, while her sister Mary sits at his feet listening to his teaching. When Martha complains, Jesus gently reorders their priorities without condemning Martha's service.

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Take it further: Luke 10:38-42

Commentary

Luke 10 CommentaryLk 10 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Walks through the Mary and Martha episode alongside the rest of the chapter.

Commentary on Luke 10:38-42Commentary on Lk 10:38-42 Working Preacher

Reads Jesus's words to Martha as an invitation rather than a rebuke of her service.

Luke 10:38-42 CommentaryLk 10:38-42 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Considers how the story follows immediately after the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Luke 10 CommentaryLk 10 Commentary Precept Austin

Provides a detailed word study of Martha's distraction and Mary's chosen portion.

Luke 10:38 CommentariesLk 10:38 Commentaries BibleHub

Collects classic commentary on Martha's welcome of Jesus into her home.

A Trick Question Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

Challenges the common habit of dividing people neatly into Marys and Marthas.

Background & Word Study

Luke 10:38 InterlinearLk 10:38 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Greek text word by word for the opening of the episode.

Gospel of Luke Summary (Part 2)Gospel of Lk Summary (Part 2) BibleProject

Gives an animated overview of the second half of Luke, which opens with this story.

The Church Fathers

Luke 10:39 - CatenaLk 10:39 - Catena Catena

Gathers patristic comments on Mary's choice to sit and listen at Jesus's feet.

Worship & Prayers

Proper 11: Year C The Lectionary Page

Gives the full set of collects and readings appointed for this Sunday.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave Archives Working Preacher

Indexes the weekly Sermon Brainwave discussion of that Sunday's texts, including this one.

Art & Music

Luke 10:38-42Lk 10:38-42 Vanderbilt

Links art in the Christian tradition depicting Mary and Martha's household.

Study Hub

Luke 10:38-42 ResourcesLk 10:38-42 Resources Textweek

Aggregates a wide range of commentary, art, and sermon links for this passage.

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