Gospel in Art: Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching

A Breton Infants School, painted by Jean-Baptiste Jules Trayer, 1882 © Wikimedia / Bonhams

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 7 October 2025
Luke 10:38-42

At that time: Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'

Reflection on the Watercolour on Paper

One of the great gifts we can give each other is the gift of our attention. We tend to be very aware when people are paying attention to us and when they are not. We can get rather annoyed when we find ourselves saying something to someone and then to get a response which indicates that the person has not really been listening to us. We are often guilty of not really listening well to others. On the other hand, we value very much those who listen to us and give us their ear and time. As we know, paying real attention goes beyond mere listening. Paying attention to the other person involves ears, mind and heart.

In our Gospel reading today, Martha exemplifies the 'hospitality of activity' and Mary the 'hospitality of presence' if I can put it that way. It seems that on this occasion, it was the hospitality of presence rather than of activity that Jesus was really looking for. Mary did not just listen, but she payed attention involving her ears, heart and mind. Martha, on the other hand, was only half-listening, her attention pulled away by all the preparations. Her service was beautiful in its own right, but it was not what Jesus desired at that particular moment. True attentiveness is not always about doing; sometimes it is about simply being present.

I think many of us recognise the experience of being at Mass but not fully paying attention. We are present, yet our minds wander and distractions creep in. And that is all right, because presence itself is the main thing. But concentration can often be difficult. I remember at school being told often by teachers, 'Patrick, pay attention!' Perhaps you had the same experience. I was there, but not really focused. We usually think of paying attention in a classroom setting, hence our watercolour by Jean-Baptiste Jules Trayer captures just that: a classroom scene from 1882. Some pupils are attentive, others are not. The teacher leans over to guide a girl with her writing, while the whole class sits in traditional Breton costume. One girl, worn out from farm work in the early hours, has simply fallen asleep on her book. It is a charming reminder that presence and attention do not always coincide.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-10-38-42-2025-2/