The controversy of this text for us is that it seems to slight Martha for doing what women were expected to do in First Century culture (and still ARE expected to do in many places). That can blind us to the fact, though, that for its first hearers and readers, the controversy of this text is its depiction of a woman LEARNING and ACTING AS A DISCIPLE of the Lord! Jesus invites Mary-- and all of us-- to sit at his feet and receive all the good things he has to give to us!

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