works. This inconceivable love of the Incarnate Son of God for all men is the great reason why we ought to love our neighbour and even our enemy.
Application. In the case of the priest and the Levite you can see what a hateful thing is want of compassion. On the other hand, the example of the Samaritan shows you how noble and beautiful is a heart full of pity and a desire to help those in need. Now which heart is yours most like? that of the priest or that of the Samaritan? Do you feel pity for others in their misfortunes? Do you not sometimes feel a wicked joy when evil befalls any one? Do you help the sick or poor as far as you are able? Surely, even if you can give them nothing, you could visit them, show them your sympathy, and pray for them.
Chapter XLIII.
MARY AND MARTHA.
[Luke 10, 38 — 42 ]
HAVING returned to Judaea and being on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus entered a certain town named Bethania[1], at a short distance from Jerusalem, where he was kindly entertained by two pious sisters, named Martha and Mary[2]. Now Mary sat down at our Saviour’s feet, and listened attentively to the words of wisdom which fell from His divine lips. Martha, on the other hand, busied herself with preparing the repast.
Martha, then, seeing that she had to do all the work, complained to our Saviour and said: “Lord, hast Thou no care[3] that my sister has left me alone to serve? Speak to her, therefore, that she help me.” But Jesus answered: “Martha! Martha! Thou
- ↑ Bethania . See Map. Bethania was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
- ↑ Martha and Mary . They lived with their brother, Lazarus. All three believed in and loved our Lord, and therefore He used to stay in their house with His disciples.
- ↑ Hast Thou no care? Martha's words betray her impatience with our Lord as well as with her sister Mary. In her joy at our Lord’s visit she wished everyone to be occupied in providing Him with the best things that could be procured; and it was inconceivable to this busy Martha that her sister could sit quietly at the feet of Jesus, while in her opinion there was more work to be done than could be got through. Her speech sounded very like a reproach to Mary for what she considered to be want of thought.
