Martha and Mary’s House, S.XX
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As they went on their way, Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10, 38–42)
This scene is based on a passage from the Gospel of Luke. It tells how Jesus visits the home of the sisters Martha and Mary in the village of Bethany, a place where he often went to rest. While Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to listen to his words, Martha is busy with household tasks. Tired from her work, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping her. Instead of reproaching Mary, Jesus answers Martha that her sister has chosen the best part.
This scene became famous during the Counter-Reformation, as it was interpreted as the representation of two ideals of Christian life: the active and the co